Predicted Barcelona lineup against PSG — Lenglet, Umtiti to start together; another 3-5-2

The sun shines bright once again on the streets of Catalonia. Buds bloom, sun-kissed flowers cherish the gentle and once again purified winds. The people once again smile, and the hope yet again seems to grow.

It is ironic that Barcelona head into a second leg tie that they are 4-1 down in with so much positivity and optimism. The mood is high after the election and the appointment of Joan Laporta as the president, and the positive vibrations must surely show on the pitch.

On his first day in office, Laporta met with the players and pushed them to throw the kitchen sink at the Parc des Princes. He reiterated that he believed the players were capable of repeating history. And though we all know that a comeback is unlikely, all one wants to see is a fighting and dominant display. Here is how Barcelona could lineup against PSG

Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen was by far the difference-maker on the night at El Sadar. Fatigue was evident in the movements of the Blaugrana side, and though it led to a plethora of chances for the hosts, the German wall ensured a clean sheet. He will certainly retain his spot in Paris.

All signs indicate that Ronald Koeman will continue the 3-man-defence that worked so well last week. However, with Araujo and Pique still not fit, he has limited options to play with.

The trio of Oscar Mingueza, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti is likely to start on the night. With Barcelona already requiring 4 goals heading into the clash, they cannot afford to concede any more. The defence will be more crucial than ever. While Mingueza has been impressive, Umtiti and Lenglet need to prove their worth to the new president.

In recent games, Clement Lenglet seems to have found his rhythm slightly, and back on his national turf, he will be more motivated than ever to make a statement.

Midfield

At this point, the middle of the park is the most settled department for the Catalans. Changes at the moment can only be expected for rotation.

Sergio Busquets will start at the heart of midfield, dictating the tempo and setting the tone. The veteran has seemed much more comfortable with a three-man defence. With the burden of defence off of his shoulders, he will look to let his wings open and unleash his best.

The centre midfield could be capped off by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder will be crucial going forward for Barcelona. His vision and movements have been the key to unlocking defences this season. Anything short of a de Jong masterclass will not suffice for his side.

Pedri, as always will be vital to the side both in creating chances and in recovering the ball. The game will be won or lost in the midfield, and Koeman must get it right on Wednesday.

The midfield will be rounded off by the wingbacks.

Sergino Dest is a player who has had a ‘mixed’ season to the fullest of its meaning. While there have been nights when he has been unstoppable, there has been an equal number of occasions when he has looked dormant. If Barcelona is to score three on the night, they will require perfect service from both wingbacks.

Jordi Alba will start at left-back once again. The Spanish International has had a monstrous season so far and has been at the root of every Barcelona comeback so far. If the night in Paris is to be the same, Alba will be one of the most vital players on the pitch.

Forward

Ousmane Dembele did suffer an injury scare, however, the storm seems to have passed. Back in his nation, he will be gunning for a dominant performance. The Frenchman is capable of wreaking havoc on his day. If Wednesday is that day for Dembele, be could single-handedly decide the tie.

Lionel Messi will start as the centre forward once again. Needless to say, the captain will be decisive in this massive clash. It would be foolish to expect one man alone to overcome a three-goal deficit. However, despite all his greatness, Messi will require the whole team, and the front line in particular, to all, play their hearts out if he is to inspire them to a comeback.

Graphical representation

Substitutes

Antoine Greizmann will be the first that Koeman turns to on the night. Undoubtedly, the Frenchman will be determined to make a statement against the club he was so heavily linked with. He could come on in the second half.

Ilaix Moriba has proved reliable every time he has been called on. Once again, Koeman could turn to the prodigy to reinforce stability in the midfield.

Fransisco Trincao and Martin Braithwaite too, would fancy minutes in the second half. The former’s sensational run was one of the brightest points of the first leg, while the latter can provide a lot of direct attack to the side. Surely, they will be given some time to make an impact.