For almost every different individual, there is a unique encounter between Barcelona and PSG. The Parisians welcome La Blaugrana to their home in Paris, and their fans will be quite enthusiastic about being as hostile as possible. However, for Barcelona, a victory here could be season-defining.
For this exact reason, Xavi’s Barcelona will be expected to field as strong a lineup as possible for them. Paris Saint-Germain will understandably return the favor and also field an eleven that would be their best possible. Ultimately, the final conclusion will be decided by who manages to step up and decide the first leg in Paris.
Here is how Xavi’s Barcelona could line up against PSG.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
The only man up for this massive task, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will have a lot of pressure on him. As a captain of Xavi’s Barcelona, and a goalkeeper of elite quality, he will be responsible for ensuring PSG remain at bay and his team remains motivated to the best of their abilities.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Few tasks can be as daunting as keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet. However, if Jules Kounde has proven himself capable of one thing, that is his ability to have the coolest of heads even under pressure. Now all that remains is to see how the Barcelona defender keeps his French compatriot away from Ter Stegen’s goal.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
While Ronald Araujo may not be playing as a fullback, there is no question that he will tussle with Mbappe as well. The Uruguayan will need to be at his very best to keep PSG at bay and ensure that the feisty Parisians do not get too many good chances to get some goals on the scoresheet.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
Unlike Araujo and Kounde, Pau Cubarsi’s main objective in this game strays away from the defensive norms. The Barcelona youngster will be tasked with ensuring his typical creative genius and allowing his team to flourish even when under pressure, something that PSG will bring a lot of.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
Over on the other flank of the defense, Joao Cancelo may come head-to-head often with Ousmane Dembele. The former Barcelona winger possesses a threat that Barça know better than anyone, but Cancelo will be tasked with a massive responsibility to both keep him at bay and also help out in the attack.
CDM: Andreas Christensen
Now back in the squad, Andreas Christensen could return as Barça’s primary pivot. His physicality in the midfield could allow Barcelona to win key duels that could then help the team initiate attacks from the heart of the field.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Without a doubt, one of the most important players that Barcelona could possibly count on in the Champions League, Ilkay Gundogan, already knows what it feels like to win it and how to do it best. His experience, quality, and leadership will all be vital traits that could help Barcelona get over the line.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
While Frenkie De Jong may not be a guarantee just yet, he has ultimately been included in the squad list. Moreover, with reports suggesting that he could start, he most definitely should if it is possible.
Arguably one of the best ball-progressing midfielders in Europe, the Dutchman’s individual genius could be vital against PSG for Barcelona.
Right-winger: Lamine Yamal
The 16-year-old Barcelona wonderkid continues to amaze. Few would have imagined at the start of the season that he would become as regular a performer as he is now, but at this point in time, his quality is too surreal to not have him get to display his genius against PSG of all teams.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
In terms of form, the Polish striker could not be at a better moment to come into this game. Back to scoring quality goals with solid consistency once more, Robert Lewandowski will definitely want to add some goals to his Champions League tally as well this season.
Left-winger: Raphinha
As an effective trio, Raphinha has worked rather well with Yamal and Lewandowski. Although it may not be his natural position, the Brazilian has shown himself to be more than capable of operating from the left wing.
His creativity and quality from that wing were displayed rather generously against Napoli, and Xavi may hope to see more of the same this time around as well.
