ANALYSIS DORTMUND VS BARCELONA:
A match to look forward to, though I believe it might end in a draw.
Both teams sit on 12 points. Dortmund still has Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk left to play. With a point tonight, their path ahead becomes much clearer.
Probable lineup: Kobel, Ryerson, Can, N. Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini, F. Nmecha, P. Gross, Sabitzer, Malen, Gittens, Guirassy.
Unavailable players include Anton, Julian Brandt, Lotka, Ostrzinski, and Niklas Süle due to various reasons.
Barcelona isn’t at their best currently. They managed only nine shots in their recent La Liga match against Real Betis, where they squandered leads of 1–0 and 2–1.
Expected lineup: Peña, Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, Balde, Pedri, Casadó, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
No new injuries affecting them.
ANALYSIS FENERBAHCE VS ATHLETIC BILBAO:
Quotes from Ernesto Valverde (Athletic coach) during yesterday's press conference:
"Yes, the schedule is tight, and we've only had a couple of days to recover after the Villarreal match. Naturally, I'll need to assess if anyone requires rest."
He continued:
"We're up against a very good Fenerbahce. Dzeko is strong up front, En-Nesyri is in great form and always tricky, and the same goes for Allan Saint-Maximin."
I completely agree.
We remember Allan Saint-Maximin from his Newcastle days. On his day, he could outplay any right-back. He always challenges defenders and draws significant attention.
Probable right-back for Athletic: Andoni Gorosabel.
Gorosabel isn’t particularly rough in his playing style, but he’ll be under constant pressure tonight. He was booked in the away match against Roma.
ANALYSIS FEYENOORD VS SPARTA PRAG:
A must-win game for both teams.
Sparta Prague is struggling, as expected. They would have had challenges even with a fully fit squad, and now the situation is far from ideal.
Injured players include Lukas Haraslín (a key figure), Angelo Preciado (with no adequate replacement), García, Daněk, and Vorel.
Under normal circumstances, Feyenoord would face an ultra-defensive Sparta Prague. However, the visitors cannot afford to play for a draw and must take risks in pursuit of three essential points.
This is likely to favor Feyenoord, as they’ll have more space to exploit and opportunities for counterattacks.
Quinten Timber hasn’t been as productive as in past seasons but has created numerous key passes. This game could be a fitting opportunity for him.
ANALYSIS LILLE VS STURM GRAZ:
Remy Cabella deserves a breakthrough.
So far, he has 0 goals and 1 assist in Ligue 1 this season, though he has had chances for more. Last season, he recorded 2 goals and 2 assists, which should have been at least double that.
We know his potential from the 2022/23 season, when he achieved 7 goals and 10 assists as a brilliant playmaker.
He is likely to take some responsibility for corners tonight. Considering the opposition, the game is expected to be one-sided.
Sturm Graz has struggled to create major chances in the Champions League and seems out of their depth. They were lucky against Girona but now miss suspended right-back Jusuf Gazibegovic.
DORTMUND VS BARCELONA
3.95
DRAW
FENERBAHCE VS ATHLETIC BILBAO
4.50
ANDONI GOROSABEL – PLAYER CARD
FEYENOORD VS SPARTA PRAG
5.00
QUINTEN TIMBER – ASSIST
LILLE VS STURM GRAZ
7.00
REMY CABELLA – ASSIST
