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Following a solid ten-day hiatus after their last game, Barcelona return to the field on Wednesday night to lock horns with PSG in the UEFA Champions League.
The quarterfinal tie sees the two European giants battle it out over 90 minutes at Parc des Princes to secure an advantage, while the second leg will be at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys later this month.
Barcelona head into the game in fine form, having won eight of their last eleven games and remaining unbeaten in that time.
PSG, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 27 games across all competitions although their last game was a 1-1 draw to Clermont. Moreover, they had just three days of rest compared to Barcelona’s ten.
Barça Universal brings you an overview of how Xavi can play his cards at Parc des Princes tomorrow.
Defence: The key to stopping Mbappe
Tomorrow’s clash, in many ways, will be the toughest challenge yet for Barcelona’s defence this season. Going up against one of the most threatening forces in world football, the result will depend on the Catalans’ defensive resilience.
Luckily enough, Xavi’s men have found their footing in defence in recent games. They have conceded just one goal in their last six games across all competitions and have found new heroes at the back.
Ronald Araujo, who missed Barcelona’s last match through a niggle, will be back in the starting lineup for the all-important clash.
Araujo’s partner on the night is likely to be La Masia’s prodigal talent Pau Cubarsi who has been the team’s best defender by far in recent games. His aerial prowess, defensive positioning and playmaking will all be essential if Barcelona are to take home a lead.
The keys to stopping Mbappe. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Out wide, we believe Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo will retain their spots on the right and left side respectively. The former will be in the spotlight at Parc des Princes as he will go head-to-head with his compatriot Kylian Mbappe on the flank.
Starting in…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/de-jong-raphinha-start-in-a-4-3-3-how-barcelona-should-line-up-against-paris-saint-germain/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-04-09 18:45:01
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