Barcelona’s first major Champions League test for 2025–26 comes in the form of reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Open wounds still remain from when PSG dispatched Barcelona in the quarterfinals two years ago, in a contest that marked the first time Luis Enrique had managed a game against his former employers. This year’ and gives the world a chance to see the game many thought would be last season’s Champions League final.
Hansi Flick will want to avoid a similar fate to the one suffered by then-manager Xavi, and will hope his current crop of players can build on the 2–1 win away at Newcastle United on Matchday 1—a success that was inspired by a brace from Marcus Rashford—in a game many predicted would be last season’s Champions League final.
PSG are without a number of key players for the game, including 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, leaving Barcelona the chance to capitalize and continue their positive start of the season.
Here’s how Barça could line up.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. PSG (4-2-3-1)
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny—The veteran will deputize for the injured Joan García, with Marc-André ter Stegen also sidelined. Szczęsny has an impressive record for Barça, losing just twice in 31 appearances.
RB: Jules Koundé—The Frenchman, who criticized his teammates for their lack of intensity against Real Sociedad, will celebrate his 150th cap for the Catalans having netted his eighth goal for the club in that game.
CB: Eric García—García has enjoyed an excellent to start the term, playing all over the back line. His ability on the ball and rapidly improving defensive skills have seen his role exponentially increase this season.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí was given the night off against Real Sociedad and should have plenty in the tank to combat a lively PSG side.
LB: Gerard Martín—Alejandro Balde is getting close to full fitness but Gerard Martín has proven he’s more than capable of holding his own covering Barça’s left flank. He’ll make his sixth consecutive start, the longest streak of his career with the club.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—De Jong has been sensational in recent games and will hope to maintain that level against one of the very best midfields in the world. When the Dutchman and Pedri are on the same wavelength, Barcelona are almost impossible to stop.
CM: Pedri—It’s no exaggeration to say Pedri has been one of the best players in the world since the start of the season. The midfield maestro toyed with Newcastle’s intimidating midfield trio last time out in Europe and will have confidence he can repeat the trick.
AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo has been a bit of an enigma to start the season, capable of both magical moments and being a non-factor in any given match. Flick has already confirmed he’ll start Wednesday night and Barcelona need him to find some consistency.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona’s No. 10 returned from injury after a month on the sidelines and it took him just one minute to register his third assist of the season. The Ballon d’Or runner-up will be itching to prove why many consider him the best in the world against the European champions.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Lewandowski is now tied for 20th in Barça’s all-time leading goalscoring list. He’s scored two match-winners in the past week and leads the team with four goals this season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. PSG: Yamal Returns for Champions League Duel.
