How will Barcelona line up against PSG?

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A tough last-16 tie awaits

Barcelona are back in Champions League action on Tuesday 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 Barca pulled off one of the greatest results in the competition’s history.

Barca will be hoping for more joy against the French champions but will be without some key players, while PSG will arrive at the Camp Nou sans Neymar due to injury.

Let’s look at how they might line up.

Defense

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Ronald Koeman’s selection problems are all in defense where he faces a big dilemma over who 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, meaning Oscar Mingueza could shift over to center-back and partner either Samuel Umtiti or Clement Lenglet.

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

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Barca’s midfield looks fairly easy to predict, unless Koeman decides to spring a surprise with his team selection.

Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri have emerged as the Dutchman’s preferred trio and look the favorites to start.

Attack

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Barring any late fitness problems it looks like being a front three of Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann against PSG.

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.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Mingueza, Umtiti, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona will line up against PSG? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

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