Barcelona are back in Champions League action on Tuesday night as last season’s runners-up Paris Saint-Germain are at the Camp Nou for the first leg of their last 16 tie.
It promises to be an intriguing game that will be back memories of that comeback in 2017 when Barça pulled off one of the greatest results in the competition’s history.
Barça will be hoping for more joy against the French champions but will be without some key players, while a Neymar Jr. less-PSG will be lining up against the Catalan Giants.
Let’s have a look on how the hosts are expected to lineup for the big game.
DEFENSE:
As always, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will be seen in the goalkeeping duty for the Blaugranas. Ronald Koeman’s selection problems are always regarding their defense where he faces a big dilemma over whom to select. The Dutchman is likely to make a late decision on both Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo who are desperately trying to prove their fitness.
It still seems unlikely either player will be risked unless they are 100 percent fit-to-play, meaning Oscar Mingueza could shift over to center-back and partner with either Samuel Umtiti or Clement Lenglet.
Barça’s Amercian right-back, Sergino Dest made his comeback at the weekend as a late substitute so should be fit enough to start, while Jordi Alba will return at left-back after getting a breather against Alaves.
MIDFIELD:
Barça’s midfield looks fairly easy to predict, unless Koeman decides to spring a surprise during his team selection.
Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri have emerged as the Dutchman’s preferred trio and look the favorites to start though, Koeman can hand over a last-minute surprise in the form of Miralem Pjanic in-place of Busquets being in the starting lineup on the matchday.
ATTACK:
Barring any late fitness problems it looks like being a front three of Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann to lineup against the French Giants.
Dembele was rested at the weekend against Alaves, only playing the last nine minutes, so should be fresh and firing for the visit of the French champions.
Francisco Trincao may just have played his way into contention, with three goals in his last two games, but will probably have to settle for a spot on the bench on Tuesday.
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