PSG vs Barcelona will go ahead at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday despite violent protests and mass arrests across France, with the French government ruling out a postponement or cancellation of one of the season’s most eagerly anticipated Champions League fixtures.
The match, scheduled for 9pm local time in Paris (7pm GMT), will see the reigning European champions face five-time winners Barcelona on matchday three. Both sides have made perfect starts to the competition and sit at the top of the table on six points.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the authorities would use “partial” and “localised” curfews in some cities to protect businesses, but insisted a blanket restriction in Paris was not being considered.
“These curfews must be local and partial. It is out of the question to put all of Paris under curfew,” Lecornu said.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at the same news conference that there were no plans to cancel the match. At least 2,400 people have been arrested across France after violent groups clashed with police and looted shops during nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and conditions in schools.
PSG and Barcelona arrive in outstanding form
Once play begins, attention will turn to a contest between two of Europe’s most prolific teams. PSG have scored 10 goals in their opening two Champions League matches, beating Slovan Bratislava 6-1 at home before defeating Manchester City 4-2 away.
Barcelona opened their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord and followed it with a 4-1 win at Galatasaray after recovering from conceding the first goal.
Both clubs have also won their last five matches in all competitions. Barcelona are five points clear at the top of La Liga after nine victories from nine games, with 39 goals scored in the league.
PSG are second in Ligue 1 after seven matches, level on 14 points with four wins, two draws and one defeat. They trail leaders Lyon on goal difference.
Statistical forecasts make the contest finely balanced. PSG have been given a 39.7 per cent chance of victory, compared with 37.7 per cent for Barcelona, while the probability of a draw is 22.6 per cent.
The clubs have met 15 times in the Champions League. PSG have won six of those matches, Barcelona five and the remaining four have ended level.
Yamal and Raphinha provide Barcelona threat
Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele will be among the leading attacking figures for PSG. Torres, who joined the Parisian club after four seasons at Barcelona, has scored seven goals this season, including a hat-trick in the win over Slovan Bratislava.
Dembele has contributed four goals and six assists, while Barcelona’s attacking threat is led by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha has scored 14 goals, making him the most prolific striker in European club football this season despite a short absence with injury. Yamal, aged 18, has nine goals and 10 assists.
The teenager scored in Barcelona’s latest league match, a 5-2 win over Real Betis, as he continued his impressive start to the campaign.
Injuries shape predicted line-ups
PSG suffered a setback when left-back Nuno Mendes sustained a thigh injury during Saturday’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory at Strasbourg. The club said he would be unavailable for the next few weeks, while Senny Mayulu is also out with a similar problem.
PSG’s predicted starting side is Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho and Lucas Digne; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz; Maghnes Akliouche, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Barcelona have been boosted by the returns of Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong. Raphinha missed recent victories over Getafe and Galatasaray after picking up a knock on international duty with Brazil, while De Jong has not played this season because of a knee injury suffered during the World Cup.
Both players were on the bench against Real Betis, with Raphinha introduced in the second half. Barcelona will nevertheless be without defenders Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde: Garcia is expected to miss three to four weeks with a thigh injury, while Kounde has an ankle sprain.
Barcelona’s predicted starting line-up is Joan Garcia; Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo; Fermin Lopez, Rodri and Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon.
