Football
PSG predicted lineup vs Barcelona - Champions League
Second-leg comebacks haven't historically been a part of Paris Saint-Germain's repertoire, but they must come from behind away from home on Tuesday night if they're to advance into the Champions League semi-finals.
PSG came out on the wrong side of a topsy-turvy first leg against Barcelona last week, with Xavi's outfit taking a 3-2 lead back with them to Catalonia.
The defeat does liberate the Ligue 1 side somewhat and reduce the likelihood of a trademark collapse on the big occasion, and Luis Enrique is poised to welcome back the previously suspended Achraf Hakimi to his starting XI on Tuesday.
Despite their deficit, PSG will know this tie is far from over. Here's the team Enrique could pick for the second leg in Barcelona.
PSG predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3)
GK: Gianluigi DonnaruMMA - The Italian was rightfully criticised for his performance last week, but there's no chance Enrique will drop him for the second leg.
RB: Achraf Hakimi - Hakimi hasn't exactly enjoyed the most prosperous of 2024s so far, but his return should serve as a massive boost for the visitors on Tuesday.
CB: Marquinhos - Marquinhos will slide over into a central position having performed a conservative full-back role in Hakimi's absence last week.
CB: Milan Skriniar - Enrique should opt for Skriniar's experience after young defender Lucas Beraldo was outwitted by Robert Lewandowski in Paris.
LB: Nuno Mendes - The left-back was one of PSG's standout performers last week, and he'll return for another duel with Lamine Yamal on Tuesday,
CM: Vitinha - Vitinha rounded off PSG's stellar start to the second half last Wednesday with a deft finish after crashing the box. Despite the lack of protection he offers, Enrique will likely stick with him in a deeper position,
CM: Fabian Ruiz - There should be some midfield adjustments on Tuesday, but the boss should keep faith in his technically proficient compatriot.
CM: Warren Zaire-Emery - The youngster was a surprising omission from the first leg XI and Enrique is unlikely to leave him out again. Zaire-Emery provides dynamism and craft from midfield.
RW: Ousmane Dembele - Dembele loved scoring against his old club and he'll relish the opportunity of inspiring a comeback in Catalonia.
ST: Kylian Mbappe - Mbappe was tamed in the first leg as he barely got a biff of Barcelona's goal. Enrique needs to get his superstar working from his favourite left inside channel as much as possible.
LW: Bradley Barcola - There should be distinct fluidity within this frontline, with Dembele potentially operating central and Barcola capable of excelling in multiple roles. The young Frenchman deserves a start after his impressive second-half performance last week.
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