In one of the most highly anticipated league phase fixtures of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona take on current trophy holders Paris Saint-Germain later tonight at Parc des Princes.
The Blaugrana have made a sensational start to the season, having won each of their 11 games in all competitions so far, most recently beating Real Betis 5-2 in La Liga.
Hansi Flick’s men have been scoring goals for fun and will be intent on extending their excellent run of form in the French capital tonight.
However, PSG have had Barcelona’s number in recent times and had managed to get the better of the Catalan club during the league phase last season as well.
Luis Enrique’s side have won each of their last six games across competitions, which includes a 4-2 triumph over Manchester City in the Champions League.
Barça have also been dealt a few injury blows leading up to the game as Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde have been ruled out, while Andreas Christensen also remains unavailable.
With two of the best teams in Europe set to face off, it promises to be an exciting match-up for the fans. And here’s how Flick could set his Barcelona team up against the Parisian giants.
Defence
Joan Garcia has been a brilliant addition to this Barcelona side since joining from Espanyol last year. He will continue manning the goal for the La Liga champions, and will have to be at his best against a dangerous PSG attack.
In defence, Pau Cubarsi is a certain starter at centre-back, where he could find himself going up against former Barcelona stars Ousmane Dembele or Ferran Torres.
Fit enough to start? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
As for his partner, Gerard Martin is expected to get the nod, with there being optimism in the Barcelona camp that the versatile defender has recovered sufficiently from the knock he sustained during the win over Real Betis.
With no Eric Garcia or Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo could get the nod to start at right-back against PSG, allowing Xavi Espart to continue playing on the left side of the defence. Alejandro Balde will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.
Midfield
The midfield battle will certainly be something to watch tonight as some of the world’s best go up against each other.
Pedri will be a guaranteed starter for Barcelona in the middle of the park, where he will be partnered with marquee summer arrival Rodri.
The pair, with the support of Fermin Lopez, will look to get the better of the PSG trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz on the night.
Fermin to feature over Olmo? (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Dani Olmo could be an option for the third midfield position, but Flick is likely to back Fermin as he has done for most part this season.
Attack
In what will come as a major boost for Barcelona, captain and superstar forward Raphinha is expected to start as the No. 9, after having recovered from his injury and made his comeback against Real Betis.
The Brazilian international will be joined by teenage winger Lamine Yamal, who has been in terrific form, while summer signing Anthony Gordon should get the nod on the left side ahead of Karim Adeyemi.