Luis Enrique, now leading Barcelona, faces his former team after guiding his squad to a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad in the last 16. Meanwhile, Barcelona secured a 4-2 win over Napoli in their previous match.
For Enrique, who lifted the European crown with Barcelona nine years ago, this opportunity could bring him closer to ending PSG's long-standing Champions League drought. It also presents a chance to give Kylian Mbappe a memorable farewell gift, as he prepares to depart for Real Madrid.
PSG didn't encounter much trouble in their last-16 matchup against Real Sociedad, winning both legs comfortably with Mbappe playing a significant role. However, questions arose regarding Enrique's decision to substitute Mbappe early in matches, and the tension increased when Mbappe was benched for the weekend's Ligue 1 game against Clermont, which PSG narrowly drew.
Despite this minor setback, PSG maintains a commanding lead in Ligue 1 and remains unbeaten in their last 27 matches across all competitions. However, their Champions League history includes painful collapses, one of which was witnessed during Enrique's tenure at Barcelona.
Barcelona, on the other hand, enters the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Under the leadership of Xavi, who announced his departure at the end of the season, Barcelona has enjoyed an 11-game unbeaten streak. Recent victories over Napoli and domestic rivals have boosted their confidence ahead of the clash with PSG.
While Barcelona faces a significant deficit in La Liga, PSG is wary of their opponent's ability to stage remarkable comebacks. The memory of PSG's victory over Barcelona in the last-16 of the 2020-21 season serves as a reminder of the Catalonian club's resilience. Now, Barcelona seeks to avenge that defeat by defeating PSG and potentially ending Mbappe's PSG journey on a sour note.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Most of PSG's key players are in good shape for the crucial match on Wednesday. Kylian Mbappe, along with other star players like Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos, are expected to return to the starting lineup.Additionally, Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola, and Nuno Mendes will bolster the squad after being rested over the weekend. However, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, and Sergio Rico are sidelined due to injuries. Moreover, Achraf Hakimi's suspension poses a challenge, especially with Nordi Mukiele's injury. This could lead to Zaire-Emery stepping into the defense.
With Zaire-Emery potentially in defense, Lee Kang-in, Manuel Ugarte, and Vitinha might start in midfield. Mbappe, Dembele, and Ramos are likely to lead the attack, with Ramos showing good form in recent matches.
Barcelona faces fewer concerns, with none of their players banned for the opening game. However, Gavi and Alejandro Balde are sidelined due to injuries. Pedri, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie de Jong have been training with the team and could make their comebacks in the match. De Jong seems to have the best chance of being cleared by the medical team.
Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, both talented teenagers, could also feature in the lineup. Fermin Lopez, who has been scoring consistently, might retain his place in midfield, while Robert Lewandowski is expected to lead the attacking line after his impressive performances in the previous round against Napoli.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:Donnarumma; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Mendes; Lee, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Cancelo; De Jong, Gundogan, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
EXPERT PREDICTION
PSG 2-2 Barcelona
Barcelona hasn't played since the end of March, while PSG has faced two tough matches in the Coupe de France and Ligue 1, making it clear that PSG will have the fresher players at the Parc des Princes.
Despite this, PSG's manager Enrique wisely rested some key players in preparation for Wednesday's match against Barcelona. Considering Barcelona's recent focus on strong defensive strategies, it's likely that Wednesday's game will be tightly contested and could end in a draw, setting the stage for an exciting second leg in Catalonia.
