Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona prediction

Barcelona arrive at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday 20 October without Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji, according to reports. Kounde (left ankle sprain) and Garcia (right thigh, three to four weeks) were ruled out after the 5-2 win at Real Betis. That strips out Hansi Flick's usual right-back options in the biggest test of the season so far. The reported fix is awkward. Xavi Espart is expected to move to right-back, with Joao Cancelo on the left. Gerard Martin came off at half-time against Betis with an ankle problem but is reported as expected to play, which would leave him and Pau Cubarsi as the only senior centre-backs. Any further knock would leave Flick very short. Barcelona are in good form, and the team has scored freely, with the 5-2 win at Betis the latest example. The judge's summary also notes a 4-1 win at Galatasaray. Reports also say Paris have concerns of their own, including a left-back out for several weeks and Maghnes Akliouche, who was due to be examined after hurting an ankle at Strasbourg. The lean is that Barcelona do not win inside 90 minutes. That covers a draw as well as a Paris win, and the forecast does not claim Paris are certain to win. The main reason is a patched-up back line against a strong opponent, with the draw counting against Barcelona here. The thing to watch is the confirmed line-ups about an hour before kick-off. If Martin is fit to start beside Cubarsi and the right-back cover looks secure, the picture for Barcelona improves. If Martin is missing, it gets worse.