Paris Saint-Germain’s Possible Lineup vs Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League
Luis Enrique will have to reshuffle at left back without Nuno Mendes, precisely in the area where Lamine Yamal could cause the most damage.
PSG host Barcelona this Tuesday, October 20 at the Parc des Princes in one of the biggest matches of the UEFA Champions League round.
Luis Enrique’s side enter the matchup in strong form. PSG sit second in Ligue 1, behind Lyon only on goal difference, and have won their last four league matches, including a 3-1 comeback victory over Strasbourg.
The biggest absence will be Nuno Mendes, who suffered a left thigh injury during that match and is expected to miss several weeks. His absence forces Luis Enrique to make a change in an area that could be especially important against Barcelona.
Lucas Digne Could Be Thrown Straight Into a Battle With Lamine Yamal
Lucas Digne is expected to start at left back and, if that projection holds, he could face one of the toughest assignments of the night: stopping Lamine Yamal.
Mendes’ absence carries even more weight because his duels with Lamine have been one of the key battles in recent meetings between the two clubs.
Luis Enrique has already made his approach clear: keep the ball away from Barcelona. “The best way to stop Lamine Yamal is to keep the ball away from Barcelona. If he cannot get the ball, everything is calm,” the PSG coach said.
Marquinhos Returns While Two Players Remain Doubts
Marquinhos is expected to return to central defense after missing the trip to Strasbourg. The Brazilian would partner Willian Pacho, while Achraf Hakimi should keep his place on the right.
There are fewer questions in midfield, where João Neves, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz are the leading candidates to start.
The remaining doubts are Maghnes Akliouche and Senny Mayulu, who are continuing their recoveries from injury. Both trained on Monday, although their availability has not yet been fully confirmed.
PSG’s Possible Lineup vs Barcelona
Possible Formation (4-3-3):
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
The Decisions That Could Shape Luis Enrique’s XI
- Nuno Mendes is ruled out, with Lucas Digne expected to start at left back.
- Marquinhos is set to return after missing PSG’s latest Ligue 1 match.
- Akliouche and Mayulu remain questionable, although both took part in Monday’s training session.
