VALENCIA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 06: Raphinha of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on September 06, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
FC Barcelona will be taking on Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League soon. The Catalan giants, led by Hansi Flick, will be eager to showcase their quality to the rest of the world with a strong performance in this game.
Moreover, with Raphinha now ready to start as well, Flick’s team will be looking better than ever. However, they will also have to deal with some defensive issues considering the fact that both Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia will be unavailable for this game.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against PSG.
Hansi Flick manager of Barcelona at kick off during the Champions League match between Newcastle United and Barcelona at St. James's Park, Newcastle, UK on 10 March 2026.
Predicted Barcelona starting XI vs PSG:
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
The Spanish goalkeeper will be the man in between the sticks for the Catalan giants in this game, and he will need to be as alert as possible to deal with PSG’s impressive attack.
Right-back: Xavi Espart
With Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia both out injured, Barça have a real lack of options in their defense for this game. Fortunately, Xavi Espart has a lot of quality and an eagerness to prove himself that could be useful here.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
Already having cemented himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe, Pau Cubarsi will have a big role in this game. Moreover, his ball-playing ability will be crucial to break apart PSG’s structure.
Centre-back: Gerard Martin
It remains to be seen whether or not Gerard Martin is ready to start, but as long as he is deemed fit enough he will likely be the starter next to Cubarsi.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
Capable of producing magic out of nothing, Joao Cancelo’s quality on the ball will be massively important in this game. However, he will also need to be at the top of his defensive duties as well.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Rodri of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio La Cartuja on October 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
CDM: Rodri
A brilliant addition to this team, Rodri’s arrival has enabled this Barcelona team to play the way that they wish to under Hansi Flick. Moreover, his defensive qualities will likely shine a lot in a fixture such as this.
CDM: Pedri
Always in control of proceedings, Pedri has been exceptional this season. In a game such as this, the Spaniard will need to ensure that PSG are not the team that command what happens and what does not.
RAM: Lamine Yamal
Arguably the most in-form player in world football right now, no team has been able to stop Lamine Yamal. PSG will certainly attempt to do so, but as long as the Spaniard plays at his best there are no doubts about the impact that he can have.
September 19, 2026, Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona gestures during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on September 19, 2026, in Sevilla, Spain.
Credit Image: © Joaquin Corchero/AFP7 via ZUMA Press Wire
CAM: Fermin Lopez
Always seems to shine under pressure, Fermin Lopez might have a lot of fun in this game if he starts. However, he will need to be sharp and clinical with his finishing if that happens.
LAM: Anthony Gordon
The English forward offers speed and control on the left wing, and as long as he can find the opposition goal he can be incredibly deadly in this game.
Centre-forward: Raphinha
With the Brazilian forward now back from his recovery and ready to start, Barcelona will be a lot more confident about their chances in this game. Thanks to his quality and intensity, La Blaugrana have a lot of ways to hurt PSG.
Hansi Flick manager of Barcelona at kick off during the Champions League match between Newcastle United and Barcelona at St. James's Park, Newcastle, UK on 10 March 2026.