Barcelona Clash with Eintracht Frankfurt: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Barcelona return to Champions League competition on Tuesday evening, hosting Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou for Matchday 6 of the league phase.

This marks the first encounter between these clubs since their Europa League quarterfinal clash in 2021–22, where Frankfurt secured a 4–3 aggregate victory thanks to an impressive first-half performance in Catalonia during the return leg.

Dino Toppmöller took charge following Frankfurt's eventual success in that tournament, stepping in for Oliver Glasner. Though Toppmöller's tenure has generally been positive, he faces criticism this campaign, with his squad arriving after suffering a devastating 6–0 loss to RB Leipzig on Saturday.

Frankfurt currently sit seventh in the Bundesliga standings. Barcelona, conversely, have opened up a four-point advantage atop La Liga, extending their domestic winning streak following their 3–0 setback against Chelsea in their previous European outing.

That defeat at Stamford Bridge positioned Hansi Flick's team 18th in the league phase standings, requiring improvement to guarantee direct qualification to the round of 16. Frankfurt, with four points collected, are battling for knockout playoff positioning.

Here is Sports Illustrated's match preview.

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Barcelona vs. Eintracht Frankfurt Head-to-Head Record (All Games)

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Barcelona Team News

Flick announced that Marc-André ter Stegen has received medical clearance following his recovery from another extended back problem, though the veteran German goalkeeper will serve as backup to Joan García.

Skipper Ronald Araújo continues his rehabilitation, while Dani Olmo is expected to remain sidelined through 2025 due to the shoulder problem sustained against Atlético. Positively, Fermín López has recovered from his short-term injury and will be ready to feature on Tuesday evening. Lamine Yamal operated in a central role during the 5–3 victory over Betis.

Gavi represents Barça's sole other unavailable player. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are likely to partner in the middle of the park, while Robert Lewandowski may enter the lineup in place of weekend hat-trick scorer Ferran Torres. Raphinha was unused on Saturday but should earn selection here.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Eintracht FrankfurtEmpty heading

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2-3-1): García; Kounde, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Eintracht Frankfurt Team News

The previously prolific Frankfurt face attacking concerns due to injury complications.

Jonathan Burkadt sustained a calf problem during the 3–0 loss to Atalanta a fortnight ago and remains unavailable. His replacement, Michy Batshuayi, picked up an injury during Saturday's Leipzig encounter and missed Monday's training session. Frankfurt veteran Timothy Chandler is also questionable for Tuesday's fixture.

Without a natural striker available, Toppmöller might deploy pacey winger Ansgar Knauff to exploit space behind Barça's advanced defensive line. Mario Götze could also return to the starting formation.

Eintracht Frankfurt Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Eintracht Frankfurt predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (3-4-2-1): Zetterer; Amenda, Koch, Theate; Kristensen, Larsson, Chaibi, Brown; Doan, Götze; Knauff.

Barcelona vs. Eintracht Frankfurt Score Prediction

Barcelona are regaining fitness and increasingly resemble their early 2024–25 form. While growing pains persist, everything flows more smoothly with Pedri orchestrating play and Raphinha making penetrating runs.

Frankfurt have struggled defensively throughout the season, and these problems won't disappear in Catalonia. Against Flick's team, the Germans are likely to face complete domination.

This should result in a convincing home victory, with mounting pressure expected on Toppmöller.

Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Eintracht Frankfurt