A preview of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, as Luis Enrique's side travel to France looking to extend their unbeaten streak to eight matches
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Perhaps football has lost its soul, but there are brief moments of positivity and encouragement – like there is in France at the moment as the soulless Paris Saint-Germain are being outshone by a club with passion, history and a manager with an identity: Marcelo Bielsa. Under the enigmatic Argentine, Marseille have claimed 19 points from their opening eight games and currently lead the reigning champions by five points.
In fact, PSG are even trailing the likes of Bordeaux and Lille; and with rumours of discontent in the dressing room, Blanc’s job truly is under threat. Some are even suggesting that a loss on Tuesday could spell the end of his reign in charge; harsh, perhaps, but such is life at the top at a nouveau-riche club with demanding owners.
FORM GUIDE
Barcelona: WWWWDW
PSG: WDDDWD
LAST MEETING
FC Barcelona 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain – 10th April 2013 – UEFA Champions League QF
Lionel Messi was injured, PSG had held the Blaugrana to a 2-2 draw in the first-leg and took the lead at the Camp Nou, courtesy of Javier Pastore. Enter a half-fit Leo Messi, cue a swing in the momentum and an all-important equaliser from Pedro.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Alves, Piqué, Mathieu, Alba; Busquets, Rakitić, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Neymar
PSG (4-1-2-1-2): Sirigu; Aurier, Luiz, Marquinhos, Digne; Verratti, Matuidi, Cabaye, Pastore; Cavani, Bahebeck
MATCH PREDICTION
This could be the toughest match of the season, or this could be a relative cakewalk compared to expectations. I’m reluctant to predict which – so will sit on the fence and predict a 2-1 Barça win.
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