FC Barcelona have been able to keep their good run of form going in April as they first got a spectacular 3-2 victory over Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals before getting another hard-fought win over Cadiz in La Liga.
This latter victory was very important for the Catalans, as it allowed them to remain in contention for the La Liga title, in which they trail Real Madrid with eight points. It was Joao Felix who made the difference and whose goal gave Barcelona the full three points in the last match.
If the team for the upcoming PSG match was selected purely on merit, Felix would make a strong case for a spot in the starting lineup. However, as SPORT has noted, there is one tactical reason why the Portuguese international is very unlikely to get into the starting lineup for this game.
As already reported, one of the most likely changes in Luis Enrique’s lineup for the coming match will be the return of Achraf Hakimi in defense, as he was suspended for the first leg against FC Barcelona.
Hakimi is one of the best-attacking fullbacks in the world right now, and Xavi will have to come up with a lineup that ensures the Moroccan is not able to play with impunity on the wings.
In such a context, Raphinha will be the favorite to start the upcoming match, as he is usually very involved in the defensive side of the game in addition to the attack.
His performance in the first leg and his run of good form further makes him a clear candidate to start on the left wing for Barcelona.
Felix is also not expected to take over from Lamine Yamal on the right wing, and thus, his most likely chance to get on the pitch for this match remains as a substitute.
