Cubarsi, Lamine start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against PSG | OneFootball

It is the clash of the heavyweights tonight in the UEFA Champions League as FC Barcelona lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

The clash pits the champions of Spain against the champions of France and Europe – two teams that inarguably play some of the best football on the planet, making it a treat for the fans.

Unfortunately, however, injuries on both teams have somewhat taken away the sheen from the contest as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele will be unavailable for PSG, along with other exciting stars like Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

On the Barcelona side, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all missing.

PSG got the better of Barcelona on their last visit to Catalonia back in the 2023/24 season when Xavi Hernandez was still in charge. The Blaugrana are a whole different animal under Hansi Flick, though, and will be gunning for revenge.

On that note, here’s how the German tactician is likely to set his team up to take on Luis Enrique & Co. at Montjuic tonight.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny becomes the obvious starter in goal for Barcelona with Joan Garcia ruled out after undergoing surgery. The veteran Pole made his first appearance of the season over the weekend and will be motivated to do well on the European stages.

Alejandro Balde is expected to be back in the squad after recovering from injury. But it is unlikely that he will be thrust back into action right away, meaning Gerard Martin continues at left-back, while Jules Kounde, set for his 150th appearance for Barça, will start on the right.

At centre-back, changes are expected after Flick opted for the pairing of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen at the weekend against Real Sociedad. Both are likely to drop out to make way for the Spanish duo of Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia at the heart of the defence.

Pau Cubarsi will return to the lineup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Midfield

There is simply no looking past the quality of Pedri when it comes to Barcelona’s midfield department. A starter in every game so far this season, the Spanish maestro will continue that trend against PSG.

Partnering with him will be Dutch international Frenkie de Jong, who has become an integral part of the team under Hansi Flick over the past year.

Their battle against PSG’s midfield pairing of Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz, provided they are fit to start, will be something to watch out for tonight.

Meanwhile, with Fermin Lopez unavailable, Dani Olmo becomes the obvious pick to start as the attacking midfielder. He will return to the lineup after Flick handed young Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’ an opportunity vs Real Sociedad.

Attack

Lamine Yamal made his return from injury, appearing as a substitute against Sociedad and registering a brilliant assist. He should reclaim his rightful starting berth on the right flank against PSG.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has excelled in recent weeks and has come up with consistent goal contributions. As such, he should retain his place in the team on the left wing, where he will be in for an intense battle with Achraf Hakimi.

As for the centre-forward position, Robert Lewandowski made a strong claim for a starting spot with his goal at the weekend. But Ferran Torres might get the nod over the veteran, given what he offers in the overall sense, with and without the ball.