JuicyTalk
Preview for Barcelona v PSG
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick knows his side have the chance to put down a marker in the Champions League tomorrow when they host defending champions PSG.
Barca lost in a pulsating semi-final to Inter Milan last season while the Parisians went on to claim the trophy for the first time, thrashing the Nerazzuri 5-0 in the final.
Despite that, Barca are favourites to win the trophy with some bookmakers, a fact Flick says is inevitable.
He told a news conference: “We are Barça and we are always among the favorites, but the road is very long and we have to work hard.”
The last time the teams met was in the 2023/24 campaign when PSG won 6-4 on aggregate after a 4-1 win in Catalonia against a Barca side coached by Xavi.
Flick added: “We don’t look at the past, everything has changed, PSG, the players, Barça… We don’t look at the past.
“It won’t be easy tomorrow, because they are a team that will dispute the ball, but from the first second we have to play at our highest level, it’s the Champions League and that’s what I expect from my players.”
The match is likely to come down to the battle in midfield with PSG boss, and former Barca coach Luis Enrique, desperately hoping his first-choice trio of João Neves, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha are all available after injury concerns.
Barca’s key man in that area is Pedri, who gave a masterful display in the 2-1 win at Newcastle a fortnight ago.
Flick said of the Spain international: “He has improved a lot, everyone sees it: how he plays with the ball. For a team it is important to have leaders, it is part of the task of the captains. I always talk to them and when they have a clear opinion, they transmit it. They convey their thoughts, it is important.”
Team News for Barcelona v PSG
Both teams have issues.
PSG have named their squad and are without captain Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, and former Barca forward, Ousmane Dembele through injury.
The hosts cannot call upon Fermín López, Gavi, Joan García, Raphinha and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Alejandro Balde did return to training this morning though while Lamine Yamal is fit after making his return at the weekend.
Predicted line-ups for Barcelona v PSG
Barcelona: Szczęsny; Koundé, Eric García, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Ferran Torres; Lewandowski
PSG: Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Joao Neves; Mbaye, Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos
How to watch Barcelona v PSG: TV and online streams
Barcelona versus PSG kicks-off at 8pm UK time tomorrow night. You can watch it on TNT Sports 4 or stream via the discovery+ app.
Stats for Barcelona v PSG
- Barcelona and PSG will meet for the 16th time in European competition, with the two sides separated by just one victory across the previous 15 (six Barcelona wins and five for PSG, along with four draws)
- PSG have won their last two games away to Barcelona, both by 4-1 scorelines in the Champions League (February 2021 and April 2024). If they win here, the French outfit will be the first team ever to win three consecutive away games against Barcelona in major European competition
Prediction for Barcelona v PSG
PSG are missing some key players which opens the door for Barca to claim a statement win.
With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong one of the few midfield combinations that can match the defending champions, we fancy the home side to edge it.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 PSG
