PSG vs FC Barcelona: Champions League last 16 preview
Luis Enrique Martinez's team can put out their Gala XI, although Javier Mascherano is out injured
FC Barcelona take on PSG on Tuesday night in the Champions League, a spectacular clash at the Parque des Princes. Luis Enrique Martinez's team can put out their Gala XI, although Javier Mascherano is out injured, along with Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan. PSG have Thiago Silva out because of injury and Thiago Motta suspended.
Some key factors...
TRIDENTS
Both Lucho and Unai Emery will go out with attacking tridents. There is no doubt about Barcelona's; Messi, Neymar and Suarez. PSG meanwhile will play Di Maria (although it could be Lucas Moura), Cavani and Draxler. Messi has 32 goals this season and Cavani has 29.
SUAREZ, GOAL INSURANCE
The Uruguayan is in form. He has scored seven goals in the last seven games. And when he scores, Barcelona don't know defeat. Suarez has 109 goals in 70 games (he has played 128 in total). And in those 70, Barcelona have won 65 and drawn 5.
EMERY, OVERCOME
The PSG coach has just one victory in 23 games against Barcelona, along with six draws and 16 defeats. His teams have 25 goals in favour and 58 against. Messi, with 25 strikes, is his worst nightmare. He lost a Copa semi-final against them with Valencia, and finals of the European Super Cup and Copa del Rey with Sevilla. His Spartak Moscow side were overcome by Barcelona in the Champions League (3-2, 0-3).
DISCIPLINE
A yellow would rule out Marquinhos for the second leg at Camp Nou on March 8, as he has two bookings, while Barcelona can rest easy. They have Pique, Busquets, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto all have one, and Javier Mascherano too but he is not playing.
The referee is Szymon Marciniak is in charge, the first time he's refereeing Barcelona. He is from Poland.
