How PSG could lineup against Barcelona in second leg of UCL quarter-finals?

Published at :April 15, 2024 at 2:06 PM

Modified at :April 15, 2024 at 2:06 PM

(Courtesy : PSG)

In the past eight seasons, FC Barcelona have managed just one semi-final appearance

The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League is in its quarter-final stages. One of the exciting quarter-final ties has been the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs FC Barcelona clash. The first leg was played at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France. A total of five goals were scored and the visitors Blaugrana headed back home with a 3-2 win.

That night saw Barca’s Raphinha open the scoring. Although further on Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha’s goal gave a 2-1 advantage, by the end of the night the visiting team rejoiced the scoreline.

The second leg is right in front of us. PSG head coach Luis Enrique said, “It’s all still open”. Barca’s Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto are both suspended and might aid in the attacking prowess of the Les Parisiens. The following team could be the lineup Enrique appoints for the thrilling second leg in Spain.

PSG predicted lineup (Formation: 4-3-3)

GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma

It is highly unlikely that Luis Enrique uses a different formation than the one he used in the first leg. The goalkeeping responsibilities are likely to go to the big man Gianluigi Donnarumma. PSG could have conceded more than just 3 goals hadn’t Donnarumma been taking the hits.

RB: Achraf Hakimi

The former Real Madrid right-back was absent in the crucial first-leg tie. His attacking and defensive abilities surely went missing at home where we saw a makeshift performance by captain Marquinhos. The Moroccan missed the first leg due to a one-match suspension. He had collected his third yellow of this UCL term against Real Sociedad in the 2ng leg of the Round of 16.

CB: Marquinhos

With Hakimi back, the PSG captain will be back in his natural position which is the centre-back role. Marquinhos will provide defensive solidarity and leadership in the central setup of the defensive line. The Brazilian has been in the ranks since 2013 and will be motivated to take his club to the semi-finals as their leader.

🙌✔️ 436 matches for @PSG_English!❤️💙 #Marqui436 pic.twitter.com/xMVDN3wEKK
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 10, 2024

CB: Lucas Hernández

It could have been Lucas Beraldo partnering his captain but we have gone with Lucas Hernández. Hernández has played in every UCL game of the 2023-24 season. The 28-year-old also brings lots of experience that might give him a decision-making edge in this important must-win tie over Beraldo.

LB: Nuno Mendes

In the left-back role, Hernández has been relieved for this high-tempo game. Nuno Mendes offers more athleticism in this role. The 21-year-old is perfectly suited to deal with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha or whosoever ends up in the right-wing for FC Barcelona.

RCM: Warren Zaïre-Emery

In the first leg, Warren Zaïre-Emery was restricted to a substitute appearance. The 18-year-old central midfielder is likely to replace Lee Kang-in in the right central midfield position in the 4-3-3 formation. After 8 UCL appearances this season, Zaïre-Emery has 3 assists and a goal.

CM: Vitinha

The Portuguese midfielder was on the scoresheet in the 2-3 defeat at home. In this away fixture, Vitinha should see his name once again in the starting lineup. The 24-year-old has 9 UCL caps that rewarded a goal and an assist so far.

LCM: Fabián Ruiz

The PSG midfield will be completed with the services of Fabián Ruiz. The left-footed Spanish playmaker will provide dynamism alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery. Ruiz has helped his side with 2 assists till now.

👊 It’s not over yet! 🔴 𝑾𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔 🔵📸 ©NiT pic.twitter.com/EbiBwWzJYV
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 11, 2024

RW: Ousmane Dembélé

Players playing against their former clubs bring some sort of spice to every game. One such former Barca player expected to haunt his former employers is Ousmane Dembélé. Dembélé has already scored one in the first leg of the quarter-finals and will want to do more of it in his old stomping ground.

ST: Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé was playing as a left winger and was kept silent for most of the night. With a goal deficit, Enrique will not leave matters in the hands of luck and is likely to deploy his best player in the forward position. Mbappé has played every minute of the UCL run so far scoring 6 goals. Only Harry Kane and Luuk de Jong are above him in the top scorer’s charts.

LW: Bradley Barcola

Marco Asensio was swapped out for Bradley Barcola at the halftime break in Paris. Barcola did provide sparks in the final third more so than Asensio did. The 21-year-old could just be the game-changing choice if selected from the start.

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