FC Barcelona have a 3-2 aggregate advantage over Paris Saint-Germain heading into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie. Heading into a do-or-die match, manager Xavi Hernandez has his midfield planned out for the game.
Barcelona has a big worry on their hands with their midfield. Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto won’t be available for the upcoming match because of accumulated yellow cards. So, manager Xavi is faced with a decision: Is Pedri up for a full 90 minutes of play?
SPORT reports that Xavi has already decided the starting 11 to face PSG at home and Pedri will start. Furthermore, the Spanish media outlet notes that İlkay Gündoğan and Frenkie de Jong will be the double pivot against PSG. As a result, Pedri will play with more attacking freedom between the lines.
❗️Xavi has already decided the starting XI to face PSG at home. Pedri will start.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/mQVJXFDW3v
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 15, 2024
Gündogan and De Jong will be the double pivot against PSG. Pedri will play with more attacking freedom between the lines.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/osHl0DSgBy
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 15, 2024
Pedri has played through injuries and doubts caused by pressures from within the club before. Neither side wants to repeat that experience, which could result in a setback for the player. Nonetheless, for this major game it feels as though Barcelona are rolling the dice.
