PSG vs Barcelona predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable line-ups
PSG and Barcelona go head-to-head at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with both sides hoping to reach the final for the first time in a number of years.
The Parisians have reached the semi-finals of the competition just three times since the tournament’s rebranding in 1994 – most recently in 2021 – and are still yet to lift the coveted trophy.
Barca, meanwhile, were regular favourites over the course of the last 20 years, winning the Champions League four times between 2006 and 2015, but have not made it past this stage of the tournament in any of the last four editions.
The first leg of this tie is due to kick-off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday 10th April and is available to watch for UK viewers on TNT Sports.
Can Enrique repeat Barca memories for PSG?
PSG manager Luis Enrique had a number of successful seasons with Barcelona during his tenure between 2014 and 2017, lifting the Champions League trophy once within this period.
However, many Parisians will likely have bitter memories of this time frame due to their meeting with Barca in the 2017 round of 16, when Enrique’s Blaugrana side produced one of the greatest comebacks in football history.
After a humbling 4-0 defeat in Paris in the first leg, Barcelona produced a late masterclass to score three goals after the 88th minute – thanks to an incredible solo performance from Neymar – to win 6-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate.
Paris will be hoping for more home delights in the first leg, but memories of that second capitulation has left deep wounds for those connected to the club at that time and Enrique will feel that he must lead his side to victory to help the healing process.
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PSG vs Barcelona team news
Luis Enrique’s squad has been bolstered by the return of captain Marquinhos in recent weeks and he is one of a number of players who could return to the starting line-up after being rested for their 1-1 draw with Ligue 1 bottom-side Clermont at the weekend.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Nuno Mendes and former Barca winger Ousame Dembele are all in line to feature from the off in this first leg.
However, there could be defensive issues for the French champions with Layvin Kurzawa (back), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Nordi Mukiele (head) and Achraf Hakimi (suspension) are all likely to miss out.
Barca boss Xavi has a quintet of injured players set to miss this encounter, with the definite absentees of Alejandro Balde and Gavi potentially joined by Andreas Christensen, Frenkie De Jong and Pedri, with the trio only recently returning to training.
There could therefore be a number of youthful talents in line to feature in some capacity on Wednesday, with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi previously trusted by Xavi and the could start or be brought on from the bench.
PSG vs Barcelona predicted lineups
PSG (4-3-1-2): Donnarumma; Mendes, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Pereira; Kang; Dembele, Mbappe
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Kounde; Gundogan, Lopez, Roberto; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal
