Barca take on Frankfurt as West Ham look to make history against Lyon

(Football news) Barcelona have revived their season under Xavi and will look to win their first trophy under his management as they took on Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter finals. The club from Catalan claimed a 2-1 aggregate win in their last-16 fixture over Galatasaray, while their hosts Frankfurt just about got over the line against in-form Real Betis over two legs. Frankfurt are on the back of a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions, although the last three matches have all ended in a draw, and have won only one match out of their last seven home matches in all competitions.

Although the German outfit are yet to suffer a single defeat in this season's Europa League as they try to replicate or better their semi-final appearance in the 2018-19 edition, they face a monumental task against the formidable Catalonian force standing. Barca going into the game are 13 games unbeaten in all tournaments, with eight of their last nine ending in victory. The Catalans are on a five-game winning streak and have at least scored two goals on each occasion, so Frankfurt's defenders will be aware of the threat the new look forward line brings to the table as Auba, Ferran Torres and Demeble will crucial in this fixture.

For Frankfurt, only Christopher Lenz (calf) and Diant Ramaj (knee) are out, as for Barca, Ansu Fati is set to make his comeback from a serious hamstring injury. COVID-positive striker Luuk de Jong is out along with the injured Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti, while Sergino Dest's hamstring issue leaves Xavi with a tricky situation to solve at right-back. Striker Memphis Depay is a late absentee due to a thigh issue as Dani Alves is ineligible for the Europa League

West Ham are punching above their weights this season in the Europa League, having beat the 5 time winners Sevilla in the round of 16, they face a tricky quarter finals against Lyon. What Moyes has achieved with this West Ham side in such a short space of time is nothing short of remarkable, he has elevated this side into European championship contenders and they have also made their home stadium a fortress. Having won each of their last four at the London Stadium in all competitions, Lyon, despite their rich history, are heading into this match as the underdogs. West Ham have scored in each of their home games this year and have only conceded three goals in their last six matches at the London Stadium, so it is a given if the West Ham fans are already dreaming of a European semi final, something that this club has rarely seen.

For the Hammers, Manuel Lanzini is suspended for the first leg after picking up his third booking of the tournament as they will be without long-term absentee Angelo Ogbonna and Moyes is also doubtful of Ben Johnson’s fitness. On the other hand, Lyon will be without Lenny Pintor, Rayan Cherki and Sinaly Diomande as midfield favourite Maxence Caqueret might be on the bench for this crucial encounter.

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The other quaterfinals fixtures are: