Match Preview : Barca VS PSG – UCL QF 2nd Leg

Tonight’s the night. Live from the Montjuic at 9pm local time is quite simply, not only the biggest game of this season, but one of the Biggest games in this clubs recent history. Barca will play the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions league Quarter final and of course our opponent for tonight is PSG. There’s no need to explain what we’re going to see from either team as it was only a week ago. But there are going to be obvious changes in the lineup for both teams. Some forced because of suspension and some welcome. It’s a huge game. And one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history. So lets jump straight into it. 

A Quick Look at our opponents:

Of course, we already know a lot about PSG. Kylian Mbappe, ousmane Dembele and the young man Barcola are their main danger men. The speed, pace and unpredictability of that front three is something we need to be aware of, but its not only them we need to worry back. One huge change to the team that we faced last week is the return of Hakimi at right back. One of their most important players. Luis Enrique experimented a little bit in the first leg, but quickly changed things around in the second when he brought on talent like Zaire Emery to add to their threat. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is going to be a very difficult game. Against a team stacked with not only raw talent. But pace as well. We need the Montjuic to be a pressure cooker in order to help get this young Barca team through one of the most important games in this club’s recent history. It’s definitely going to be a difficult evening but the 12th man is going to be key.

Predicted lineup:

Coming into the game, barring a few suspensions and the injuries to Gavi and Balde, we come into the game with a full strength team. For me, i think there will only be one change from the team that played in Paris last week. And that is in the pivot position where unfortunately both Christensen and Sergi Roberto are suspended for tonight’s game after picking up a second yellow card in the first leg. It’s a blow for the midfield, so most likely we’ll be playing without a natural DM. That makes Cubarsi’s role even more important as he will be the basis of the build up. He usually plays a assist part in that anyway, but tonight it will be relied on even more. The question is who will replace Roberto? Will Xavi decide to throw Pedri straight in from the start, or will he decide to go with the energy and unpredictability of Fermin before bringing Pedri on later. In my mind considering Pedri has just come back from injury, the latter option is what id go with. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pedri in from the start. Leaving the front three, which has to remain the same. The trident of Raphinha, Lewandowski and Yamal all got a rest over the weekend so that is exactly what I’d go with tonight. Raphniha’s work rate on that left hand side is going to be crucial. So lets wait and see how Xavi decides to lineup.

My starting 11:

Ter Stegen 

Kounde- Araujo- Cubarsi- Cancelo

Pedri- Frenkie- Gundogan 

Yamal- Lewandowski- Raphinha 

Ryan Edwards