The fixture against Paris Saint-Germain will be a crucial one for FC Barcelona. Their hopes for a title elsewhere are mathematically very difficult, but in theory, the Champions League remains as open as ever. However, to do that, Barcelona must first overcome PSG in Paris and then at the Montjuic.
Yet, whatever happens in the first leg will carry on the consequences into the second leg. This most notably means the goals will understandably carry over, but the suspensions that take place in this game could end up having massive repercussions in the return leg that takes place in Barcelona.
SPORT has thus highlighted the seven Barcelona players who face this specific risk. Three of those players are forwards, two are midfielders, and two are key defenders. While the risk of picking yellow cards is almost always unpredictable, the chances of defenders getting booked are typically considered more probable.
Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are the two defenders who will have to remain cautious. The Uruguayan, in particular, has proven himself to be rather likely to pick up bookings at some point during games. Moreover, with him likely to be tasked with controlling Kylian Mbappe, the danger posed to Araujo is multiplied.
Over in the midfield, both Frenkie De Jong and Sergi Roberto face the same risk. All of the players mentioned within these seven names are currently on two yellow cards each, and the cycle for a suspension is completed when three bookings are accumulated.
While the starting chances of both these Barcelona captains may vary, they will still need to be cautious if they are to be counted upon by Xavi.
Lastly, the frontline players who are at risk of suspension are Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Joao Felix. All three have the possibility of starting or even featuring in the game at some point during the proceedings of the match.
Thus, making unnecessary fouls or gestures will be something that Xavi may opt to emphasize upon to dissuade them from doing.
Over on the other side of things, PSG also have some players at risk of a third yellow card. Star fullback Achraf Hakimi is already suspended from the game due to having picked up too many yellow cards, but three other PSG players face the same risk when it comes to the second leg.
Defenders Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar, and midfielder Manuel Ugarte all are one yellow card away from suspension in the second leg. Thus, it is not only Barcelona who will need to be cautious, but also PSG as they take on La Blaugrana over in Paris.
