UEFA Champions League: PSG vs Barcelona - Preview and Predictions

As the second round of 2014-15 Champions League group stage gets underway this week, Luis Enrique will be travelling his swashbuckling squad to France to take on the dark horses, Paris St. Germain in an enthralling clash.

Billed as the re-match of 2012/13 quarterfinals, both the teams have undergone considerable reinforcements in the summer and it's only a matter of time when we get to know how far they've come along since their last meeting.

Venue :

The first of the two legged tie will be played out in Parc de Princes stadium. With a seating capacity of 48,712 spectators, it situated in the southwest part of Paris, France.

Kick-off timings :

The match will kick start at 00:15 (IST), Wednesday and will be broadcasted live on Ten Action.

Probable line-ups :

PSG : The French outfit will be without the services of their star forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is making steady recovery from heel injury but was,however, deemed unfit for the match. Captain Thiago Silva has not played since their friendly match against Napoli last month and is likely to miss out on the game.

Out : T. Silva (Hamstring), E. Lavezzi (hamstring), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (heel).

Predicted line-up:Sirigu;Wiel,Marquinhos,Luiz,Digne;Cabaye Verratti,Motta;Pastore;Bahebeck,Cavani.

Barcelona : While Rafina Alcantara is still convalescing, Thomas Vermelean may be deemed fully fit although he is not expected to start. Douglas may be benched after an atrocious performance against Malaga whereas, it is either Xavi or Iniesta who'll be joining Busquets and Rakitic at the centre of the park remains a difficult prognosis.

Out : Rafinha (Muscular injury)

Predicted Line-up :Bravo,Alves,Mascherano,Mathieu,Alba;Iniesta,Busquets,Rakitic;Munir,Messi,Neymar.

Key match stats and facts :

The last meeting between the two sides took place in the quarterfinals of 2012/13 season, where the Catalans prevailed on away goals rule after ending the tie 3-3 on aggregate.

Barcelona had defeated the French side in the 1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, where Ronaldo scored the lone goal of the night.

The Blaugrana are yet to concede a goal in this season.

5 of the 8 Ligue 1 games have ended in a draw for PSG.

Key battles :

Edinson Cavani vs Gerard Pique

With former Barça forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out, the onus will be on his Uruguayan counterpart Cavani to step up and deliver. The former Napoli man has scored a mere 4 times in 9 appearances and has not been up to the mark.

But now in the absence of some star players, the 26-year old is under more pressure than ever and will therefore be a constant threat to the Blaugrana defence. Up against him will be the centre-back Gerard Pique, who has well marshalled Barca's back line till now and needs to be on his toes, if he was to render the ferocious attacker ineffective.

David Luiz vs Lionel Messi?

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi hs just reached yet another milstone- 400 career goals, and will be lethal as ever. Boasting the ability to decide a match singlehandedly, Messi will be the one whom Laurent Blanc's side should be prudent about.

New recruit David Luiz will be assigned with one of the most difficult tasks - debilitating the threat posed by the Argentine. Luis has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world but has been unconvincing since his move to the French capital. The Brazilian must go whole nine yards when he is up against the world's best striker and this match serves as a litmus test to his credentials as the aforementioned tag.

Prediction :

Barcelona are yet to concede a goal under Luis Enrique and have been equally systematic at the other end of the pitch, bagging 17 goals in 6 league games.

On the other hand, PSG coach Laurent Blanc is under most pressure after a barrage of disappointing results and anything but a victory will bring his reign under the scanner.

Predicted score : PSG 1-1 Barcelona.

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