Barcelona will be facing Paris Saint-Germain for a third knockout contest in five seasons and the French giants would be hoping to pick up their first win this time having lost on all the previous occasions.
Team News
Barcelona
Barcelona got a huge blow as an in-form Aleix Vidal saw his ankle get dislocated in their comfortable 6-0 win over Alaves. The Spanish right-back is not expected to return until July, which means he will again feature next season. Another huge miss will be defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano. Luis Enrique has often shifted him to central defence whenever the need has risen and the absence of such a utility player could cost Barcelona heavily.
Combative midfielder Arda Turan suffered a groin injury in training before Barcelona’s trip to Alaves on Saturday and could be a doubt for the game. Central midfielder Rafinha missed Saturday’s trip with a head injury and could be a doubt. Although Gerard Pique wasn’t included in the weekend’s fixture, he is likely to start against PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG are fortunate to have almost all major players available for their huge fixture against the Catalans. The crucial injury is Argentine attacking midfielder Javier Pastore, but Unai Emery has more than enough arsenal to fill the gaps with quality alternatives. A huge miss for the French giants will be the absence of their experienced midfielder Thiago Motta, who is serving a one-match suspension.
Predicted Line-ups
Barcelona (4-3-3)- Ter Stegen; Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)- Trapp; Maxwell, Marquinhos, Silva, Aurier; Verratti, Matuidi, Rabbiot; Di Maria, Cavani, Draxler
Key Players
Barcelona
Barca’s world-class trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez had the perfect warm up the weekend before the big fixture in the midweek, with four goals scored among the trio. When Suárez scores, Barcelona usually do not lose. The Uruguayan international has found the net in 70 matches out of the 128 he has featured in for the Blaugrana with a record of 65 wins. PSG will ensure they don’t let him get the ball anywhere near the D-box.
Paris Saint-Germain
Di Maria and Edinson Cavani got their names on the scoresheet in the last game against Bordeaux and will be crucial as PSG’s attack up front. Barcelona doesn’t have the best of defences and have repeatedly folded in the face of incessant attacks. And PSG have enough artillery in its bag to pose a huge threat at Parc des Princes. All football related of course!
Odds
Barcelona- 3.60
Draw- 3.50
Paris Saint-Germain- 2.15
