By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
As the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals loom large on the horizon, anticipation mounts for a thrilling encounter between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Memories of their last showdown in 2021 still echo, where 22-year-old Kylian Mbappe certified himself on the Champions League stage, propelling PSG to the quarter-finals with a scintillating performance.
Fast forward to the present, and both teams find themselves in fine form, ready to renew their rivalry in what promises to be another unforgettable clash. PSG currently reign atop their league, boasting an array of talent eager to showcase their prowess on the European stage once more. Meanwhile, Barcelona has been on a remarkable run, tightening their grip in La Liga with five consecutive clean sheets and surging to the second spot, applying relentless pressure on rivals Real Madrid. With both sides brimming with confidence and determination, football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this titanic battle between two giants of the game.
Team News:
PSG have almost an entire squad to choose from, although there will be a couple of key defensive absentees. Maestro Presnel Kimpembe will be missing as he deals with an injury. Right-back Achraf Hakimi, a critical player in the side, will miss out after a yellow card against Real Sociedad means that he is suspended for this clash. Bradley Barcola is back from injury and will likely partner Kylian Mbappé in attack.
Barcelona have had a tough time with injuries this season. But, on the bright side, necessity is the best form of invention and through their injury crisis, they were forced to discover the bright young Spanish centre-back Pau Cubarsí who has been a mainstay in the side since the beginning of the calendar year. Still, Gavi and Alejandro Balde remain out and will be absent for this tie. Pedri has been included in the squad although this game may still come too soon for the Spanish midfielder as he is yet to play a minute since his injury.
Key Players:
PSG: Kylian Mbappé
Barcelona: Ronald Araujo
- PSG are without a loss in 27 games, since losing to AC Milan in the group stage in November. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 11 games.
- There have been 16 players to play for both PSG and Barcelona. The most recent to make the switch was Ousmane Dembélé, who will feature on the right wing for PSG this evening.
PSG are the favourites here, priced at 10/11 on bet365. Barcelona are the underdogs, priced at 11/4.
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