The time has finally come for Paris Saint-Germain and its UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg showdown against FC Barcelona.
Both teams head into the tie needing a win, as it is Champions League or bust for the two. PSG aims to pull off yet another deep Champions League run, while Barca looks to avoid another early elimination in the competition.
For Mauricio Pochettino, this is the starting 11 that he is going with for this matchup.
Le 1⃣1⃣ de départ parisien ! 🔴🔵⚡️#UCL | #FCBPSG pic.twitter.com/jCHPzA8ss1
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) February 16, 2021
Navas; Florenzi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Kurzawa; Gueye, Paredes; Kean, Verratti, Mbappe; Icardi
Keylor Navas has fully recovered from his groin injury and will take the start at the goalkeeper position for PSG. The Costa Rican goalkeeper has a long history with Barca dating back to his days with Levante.
Marquinhos will lead PSG in his first Champions League knockout stage fixture as the team’s first captain.
There was much talk as to who would start out at the right-back position for PSG, and Pochettino has elected to go with Alessandro Florenzi for the role.
Leandro Paredes will anchor PSG’s midfield setup. The Argentine will face off against Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets in this clash of durable midfield talents.
Marco Verratti is back for PSG and will take the start as the team’s central attacking midfielder. Kylian Mbappe will slot out wide to the Italian’s left, while Moise Kean will make his first start as a winger for the team.
Mauro Icardi will be the team’s main center forward in this fixture. The Argentine has recorded seven goal contributions in seven fixtures under Pochettino so far this season.
This match is certainly among the most anticipated of this season.
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