PSG vs. Barcelona: Confirmed Lineups for Champions League Match

Later on today (Tuesday, the 20th of October) at 21:00 CEST, PSG will host Spanish side FC Barcelona is what is perhaps the most anticipated game of the entire league phase section of this season's UEFA Champions League. 

This game will see players Dro Fernandez and Ferran Torres, alongside manager Luis Enrique face their former club, so there is plenty of narrative heading into this mouth watering clash. 

For the task at hand, Enrique has opted for the following XI; Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hernandez; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia. 

Very strong team. Near enough full strength, other than there being no Nuno Mendes, who is out with a thigh injury. Interestingly, despite having seemingly been the cover in central defence, Hernandez is the one to get the nod in Mendes' absence, rather than nominal left back, Lucas Digne. It has been a while since he has played there, so good luck to him. 

There is no place in the XI for the aforementioned Torres and Fernandez, who will have to hope for a cameo off the bench in order to impact the game against their former employers. Torres is the most likely to do so of the two. 

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has chosen this XI; Garcia; Espart, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Gordon; Raphinha

Interesting. A few things worth noting - despite being a doubt for the game, Martin manages to start the game, meaning Barcelona have not had to play a midfielder or full back at centre half, with Cubarsi the only other available player in that position, following injuries to Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia. 

Furthermore, Raphinha comes into make his first start since the international break. He had missed the first two games post break having been rested, then came on during the win over Real Betis last time out. 

Midfielder Rodri - who was seen as one of the players who may have filled in at centre half - has been named on the bench by Flick, amid rumours that there could be a precautionary injury to the 30-year old. So he is not being risked. 

Shame that neither team are at full strength, but there are several world class players on the pitch in any case, so it should be an absolutely brilliant game in any case. PSG are the very slight favourites with the bookmakers.