Champions League Match Preview: PSG vs Barcelona

Zlatan Ibrahimovic in action during the Pre-season Friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Barcelona FC at Parc Des Princes on August 04, 2012 in Paris, France. (Getty Images)

Qatari owned big spenders, Paris Saint-Germain face the most ultimate task: they host Spanish giants Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the 49, 000 capacity Parc Des Princes today.

Barcelona will be boosted as well as inspired by the return of Tito Vilanova, who flew to Catalonia last week and will take up his place on the bench for the first time following his cancer treatment in New York. Both sides are top in their domestic leagues as Barcelona are 13 points clear at the top of Spanish league while PSG lead the French League by seven points.

Barca maybe the favourites but Carlo Ancelotti’s side look promising with their redefined team and believe they have a decent chance to qualify, provided they have a tactical master plan to beat the Catalans. The two sides met and played out a 2-2 friendly draw back in August 2012.

“Barca are so versatile they’re capable of doing something completely unexpected, which can end up making you look silly. They’ve got the best team in the world, the best player, and several others who help him out with their passing and movement.” - Thiago Silva

Paris Saint-Germain

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PSG successfully appealed against Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s suspension, which will give them an element of hope in their bid to qualify for the semifinals. Ancelotti will hope to have Brazilian Lucas Moura back after his ankle injury and the same time Lavezzi could also play after being rested in the 1-0 win against Montpellier. Thiago Motta is out with a groin injury and will be available second leg.

PSG progressed to the quarters with a 2-1 away triumph round-of-16 clash against Valencia. Ibrahimovic has been in deadly form this season scoring a massive 25 goals from 27 appearances, and will be PSG’s go-to man.

Man to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The Zlatan factor will be key as the Swede will look to prove a point against his former side after he endured a difficult season in 2009-10. Ibra, who will play the lone striker role, will be handed the job to see off Barca. He will have hold play up to good effect with his strength and help PSG take an advantage when they head to Spain.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona on February 3, 2013 in Valencia, Spain. (Getty Images)

Barcelona

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Jordi Alba and Xavi Hernandez, who were both injured on international duty with Spain, have been named in the squad that will travel to France. Captain Carles Puyol and Adriano are sidelined. Youngster Pedro, who also picked up an injury with La Roja, is suspended.

Barcelona drew with Celta Vigo on Saturday and ended their three match winning streak that included the win against Milan. However, they maintain a 13-point lead at the top of La Liga over Mourinho’s Real Madrid. A 2-0 defeat at the San Siro left Barca on the verge of elimination before their outstanding 4-0 win at home. PSG has conceded just 20 goals this season and will look to keep a clean sheet as they will be vary of the away goal.

Man to watch: Lionel Messi

The Argentinean sensation notched up another goal-scoring record by scoring in 19 consecutive games. The 25-year-old scored two vital goals against Milan in the quarters and he will have to be on the top of his game yet again.

Probable teams:

PSG: Salvatore Sirigu; Christophe Jallet, Thiago Silva, Alex, Maxwell; Lucas Moura, Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi, Javier Pastore; Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi

Barcelona: Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta; Lionel Messi, David Villa, Alexis Sanchez

Predicted Score: PSG 1-3 Barcelona.