Barcelona vs PSG: Will be fierce in midfield

Both possess intelligent, well-organized playing styles and are the "heart" of each team's tactical scheme.

The highlight to look forward to when Barcelona face PSG in the new Champions League group stage (also known as the qualifying round) at 2am on October 2nd is the match between Pedri and Vitinha in midfield.

If Vitinha can play, the midfield battle promises to be exciting, especially when Barca is operating quite well with the trio Pedri - De Jong - Dani Olmo. On the other side of the front line, the possibility of Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz leaving open the possibility of playing from the start will be a difficult problem for coach Luis Enrique because reserve factors such as Zaire-Emery, Lee Kang-in or Senny Mayulu will find it difficult to fill the gap left.

PSG worried

French media continuously reported that 3 important midfielders including Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves and Vitinha will likely recover in time and be ready to register to play in Spain. The return of this trio will help PSG's midfield regain balance in both defense and attack, especially when the capital team of Paris needs to control the ball against the opponent's high pressing style.

However, PSG also faced many difficulties when missing 3 pillars: Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembele and young talent Desire Doue. Marquinhos is the defensive stopper, Dembele takes responsibility on the right wing, and Doue is a strategic option in attack.

Barca determined to defeat PSG - currently missing many key players. Photo: BARCELONA FC

Due to the absence of key players, Mr. Enrique will have a headache calculating the force for the day of reunion with his old team Barcelona. The Spanish coach firmly declared in his usual style: "It's great to face Barca - a team with a similar identity and fighting spirit to PSG at present."

Rashford is in good form

Barca are not really confident about their squad for this big match. Coach Hansi Flick will definitely not have the services of Gavi, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and reserve goalkeeper Joan Garcia, all due to injury.

However, the Catalans still have the right to welcome the reunions. Defender Alex Balde is definitely recovered and ready to return to the left wing while young talent Lamine Yamal is fully fit after returning in the recent 2-1 win over Sociedad in La Liga. That was the match where the 18-year-old left his mark with an assist just 1 minute after entering the field.

Raphinha's absence is a big loss, but the left wing of "La Blaugrana" is being taken over very well by Marcus Rashford. The England international is in very good form for Barcelona with 3 assists in La Liga and a double against Newcastle in the first match of the qualifying round 2 weeks ago.

Barca are rated higher due to home advantage and the fitness of many key players. The clash at the Olympic Lluís Companys Stadium may not be the "party" as expected but is still an important test for both teams in the European Cup this season.

Two other notable matches taking place at the same time: Monaco - Man City and Arsenal - Olympiakos.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/barcelona-doi-dau-psg-se-nay-lua-o-khu-trung-tuyen-196250930215608392.htm