FC Barcelona pay a visit to back-to-back UEFA Champions League winners PSG for Matchday 3 of Europe’s premier club competition. Hansi Flick’s Blaugranes have won all their 11 games in all competitions this season. They also average close to four goals scored per game with Lamine Yamal hitting peak form. The 19-year-old sensation will be eager to make his mark at Paris’ Parc des Princes after tormenting France in those last two years with the Spanish national team.
Flick will deploy Yamal on his favourite right-winger position as Brazilian centre-forward Raphinha returns from injury. England’s Anthony Gordon is poised to play on the left-wing. Flick is spoilt for chances up front with Dani Olmo, Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus poised to start on the bench. The same can’t be said regarding the defense.
Indeed, both of Barcelona’s senior right-backs – Jules Koundé and Eric Garcia – have pulled out of the squad. L’Equipe predicts that 19-year-old Xavi Espart will be tasked with dealing with one of the best left-wingers in the world in PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Barcelona likely line-up v PSG
Javi Garcia; João Cancelo, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart; Rodri, Fermin Lopez, Pedri; Anthony Gordon, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal. (L’Éq)