Barcelona currently find themselves in a bit of a slump. The Spanish giants have drawn their last three La Liga games in a row. Their most recent draw was a 1-1 stalemate against bitter rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico, which kept Barca six points behind Real atop the table.
They’ve had a much easier time in the Champions League, though. They’ve won four of their five games, with their lone loss coming away to Manchester City. They easily disposed of Celtic 2-0 in Scotland thanks to two Lionel Messi goals.
However, with Barcelona already wrapping up top spot in Group C, Messi isn’t likely to feature against Borussia Monchengladbach, along with a couple more of their regular starters.
Barca’s reserves have not impressed thoroughly this season, as they have dropped points when manager Luis Enrique has decided to rotate his squad. Still, Barca at home in the Champions League has been one of the surest things in sports over the past few years. They have won all of their Champions League games at the Nou Camp since 2014.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s season is going south in a hurry. The Germans have not won in their last seven games. They drew their last two Champions League games – both at home – but were comprehensively smashed 4-1 away to Dortmund in their most recent Bundesliga assignment.
Gladbach currently sit 13th in the German top flight, with an atrocious away record. They are winless in six road games (five losses) and have conceded 17 goals. Their lone Champions League win of the season did come away from home, a 2-0 win against Celtic.
Gladbach is guaranteed to finish third in the group, and will only have pride to play for at the Nou Camp. The Germans’ best hope to come away with anything would be if Barca fields a severely weakened squad. However, Gladbach haven’t shown anything to be optimistic about over the past few games, and it’s doubtful they can even avoid defeat against a second-string Barcelona side.
Writer’s Prediction
Barcelona (-337) maintain their excellent home record as they deal struggling Gladbach a 2-0 defeat.
