Barcelona vs. PSG: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream and TV Info
Barcelona host Paris Saint-Germain, in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with one eye already on the semi-finals.
A fine performance from the Blaugrana in Paris has left the visitors with a mountain to climb if they want to spring a surprise in Catalonia.
Gregory van der Wiel's late goal could end up being much more than a consolation if the returning Zlatan Ibrahimovic in particular can strike early and spread nervousness throughout an expectant Camp Nou.
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However, Barca's superb 2-0 win against Valencia at the weekend has continued their great form of 2015 and Luis Enrique will be confident of finishing the tie.
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV Info: ITV (UK only)/Fox Soccer Plus (USA only)
Live Stream: ITV Player (UK only)/Fox Soccer 2Go (USA only)
Form Lines
| Barcelona | Paris Saint-Germain |
| W 2-0 vs. Valencia | W 3-1 vs Nice |
| W 3-1 vs. Paris Saint-Germain | L 1-3 vs Barcelona |
| D 2-2 vs. Sevilla | W 4-0 vs Bastia |
| W 4-0 vs. Almeria | W 4-1 vs St. Etienne |
| W 1-0 vs. Celta Vigo | W 3-2 vs Marseille |
| W 2-1 vs. Real Madrid | W 3-1 vs. Lorient |
WhoScored.com
Predicted Formations
Laurent Blanc has a selection dilemma to contend with after the late withdrawal of Thiago Silva, per the official PSG website (via ESPN FC):
"Originally named in the Paris Saint-Germain squad for the Champions League quarterfinal second leg away to FC Barcelona on Tuesday, Brazilian defender Thiago Silva has withdrawn from the squad with injury.
The Paris Saint-Germain captain will remain at the Ooredoo Training Centre to continue his rehabilitation from injury.
"
It's a huge blow for Blanc who was already without Serge Aurier and Thiago Motta.
The returns of Marco Verratti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will at least be of some comfort as Blanc goes looking for the three goals needed to progress to the semi-finals.
PSG were dangerous in patches without really having a cutting edge, Ibrahimovic will provide the same.
Whether he will be successful is down to just how well Barca's back four of Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba perform.
Even if they happen to have an off night, the Swede still has to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been in fine form during this competition.
Sergio Busquets will assume his "snow plough" holding role with Ivan Rakitic and Xavi Hernandez providing assistance to Barca's in-form front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
You wouldn't bet against them adding to their 93 goals in all competitions, especially given how easily David Luiz was beaten time and again last week.
Player to Watch
Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to one of his former stamping grounds with not so much a point to prove, as a job to do.
Edinson Cavani looked like a little boy lost for much of the first leg in the central role, but there will be no such problems for the Swede.
Silencing the Camp Nou will likely be a priority for the former Blaugrana man so expect to see Zlatan fully involved from the get-go.
Given his exuberance against Chelsea got him red-carded, a desire to go at it full throttle might need to be reined in just a little.
Clearly Barca's back line are going to be given a thorough examination and Pique and Co. will need to be fully concentrated for the entire 90 minutes.
Key Battle
Another player missing from the first leg who will make a difference at Camp Nou will be Marco Verratti.
The Italian is fast building a reputation for himself in Paris through a mix of energetic contributions, putting his foot in when necessary and an immaculate short or long passing range.
There are few players, if any, in the French league with the skill set and desire to match Verratti and if he isn't kept on a tight leash he will be decisive.
Ivan Rakitic mirrors Verratti's game for Barcelona but is statistically a better all-rounder, per WhoScored.com.
If the Croatian can impose himself and push Verratti into a more defensive role, Barcelona will reap the dividends.
Odds
The following pre-match odds are available via our betting partner OddsShark:
Home Win: -238
Away Win: +611
Draw: +385
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