Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain 2nd Leg Preview Prediction and Betting Tips
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain preview
14th August 2020. A day that few Barcelona fans would ever forget while for many others, it’s simply just another day on this planet. But for Barcelona and their fans, it was the day that the club realized rock bottom had only just arrived despite them already believing they were there. However, four years on and Barcelona have walked away from a first-leg in a Champions League quarter-finals as winners.
That alone has shocked more than a few fans and critics especially with the La Liga giants walking out as 3-2 winners on a night where neither side really dominated the game. But Raphinha finally showed why Barca signed him with a brace and gave his side a chance. Even then, with the presence of Kylian Mbappe, few give Xavi Hernandez’s men a chance of progressing through to the semi-finals.
Then again, PSG have been an impressive side this term, losing just four games all season although that includes three losses in the Champions League. Two of those were shock results against Newcastle United and AC Milan, with Barcelona the latest side to beat them. It does make for an interesting second leg especially given how well all four quarter-finals are set up.
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain team news
Barcelona
Gavi and Alejandro Balde are the two long-term absentees for Barcelona, as the duo are out for the rest of the season with injuries. However, while Frenkie de Jong and Pedri both traveled for the first-leg, only the latter played with the former started. Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto was shown a yellow card in the first-leg and will miss the second leg through yellow card suspension.
Ronald Araujo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Joao Félix were in the same boat but escaped and will be able to play a part. Beyond that, Xavi has no major injury concerns especially as Barcelona had a week off following the first-leg, thanks to the Copa Del Rey final, but they do play in the La Liga again on the 13th of April.
Paris Saint-Germain
Much like Xavi, Luis Enrique has only two major injury issues with Presnel Kimpembe and Sergio Rico the two men out with long-term issues. Achraf Hakimi did miss the first-leg thanks to a yellow card suspension and his replacement Nordi Mukiele was injured in the clash against Clermont during the weekend. It meant that Marquinhos deputised at right-back against Barcelona.
But Hakimi will be fine to play the second leg and while Mukiele didn’t make the squad for the first-leg, reports indicate that the Frenchman could be back for the second-leg. Beyond that, Enrique has no major injury issues going into the weekend before the second-leg.
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineups
Barcelona
No major injury concerns for the LA Liga giants going into the weekend which means that Xavi Hernandez will likely rest his major players for the second leg.
Predicted XI: Marc Andre-ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubrasi, Joao Cancelo; Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Paris Saint-Germain
Much like he did last weekend, Luis Enrique will probably rest his major players going into the weekend and with Achraf Hakimi back from suspension, he should start the second leg.
Predicted XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Kang-in Lee; Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain head-to-head
Played: 14; Barcelona: 6, PSG: 4, Draw: 4
Last five games:
PSG 2-3 Barcelona (UCL quarter-finals 1st leg)
PSG 1-1 Barcelona (UCL Round of 16 2nd leg)
Barcelona 1-4 PSG (UCL Round of 16 1st leg)
Barcelona 6-1 PSG (UCL Round of 16 2nd leg)
PSG 4-0 Barcelona (UCL Round of 16 1st leg)
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain predictions
All in all, Barcelona should progress even if they only have a one goal lead going into the second leg because of just how well they’re capable of playing. And yet, the game of football would be so popular and loved if it was predictable and stuck to scripts. That alone gives PSG the chance to overturn their first leg deficit, the fact that they have Kylian Mbappe only adds to that.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-4 PSG (PSG progress to the semi-finals)
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain betting tips
Betting tips
Both teams to score: Yes
Over 3.25 goals: Yes
Odds
Barcelona: 2.25
Draw: 4.00
PSG: 3.10
Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain timings and telecast
Spotify Camp Nou – 16th April – 3:00 PM ET
India: Sony Liv
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
US: Paramount+
Also Read: Why Harry Kane escaped a red card during Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Champions League clash?