The week has finally come for Paris Saint-Germain and its star-studded showdown against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg.
However, this fixture will not be filled with every single star talent on both teams. Barcelona will be without several players due to injury, including Ansu Fati. And for PSG, the French powerhouse will be heading into the fixture without stars Neymar and Angel Di Maria due to their respective injuries.
With these two players out for the match, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to go with this starting 11 for the match.
Sans Neymar et Di Maria, voici la composition que pourrait aligner le PSG face au Barça mardi pic.twitter.com/uTyIqqOlFy
— Téléfoot (@telefoot_TF1) February 14, 2021
Navas; Kurzawa, Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Florenzi; Paredes, Verratti, Gueye; Mbappe, Icardi, Sarabia OR Kean
There are multiple noteworthy aspects to note with this potential starting 11 for PSG in this upcoming clash. First, PSG could be going with a 4-3-3 setup in this match, which Pochettino hinted at a bit following the team’s fixture against OGC Nice.
Marco Verratti would certainly be a welcome addition to PSG’s starting 11 after missing the last two matches due to injury. Still, the French side has not yet provided for a final decision on his availability for this match.
More so, the decision on who will replace Neymar in the lineup will be one to watch. Pablo Sarabia is deemed as the first choice option but as seen in this projected lineup, Moise Kean could also be a player who Pochettino may consider to start in this match.
Tactics and formation changes will be critical in this match for both teams.
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