The most anticipated confrontation of all the knockout stages. Indeed, although this confrontation is not as exciting as those that have taken place in the past, it remains an exception. Announced favorite in the draw, PSG has meanwhile changed coach (Tuchel by Pochettino) and lost many senior players to injury (Neymar, Di Maria!). On the other hand, Barça has remade the cherry a little since, but nevertheless remains on a more than alternative current, including a defense at bay in almost every game. The wounded are also legion at home (Piqué, Fati, Roberto, Coutinho). Focus therefore on this confrontation more than indecisive.
Defensively: Barça in great difficulty
For those who watch Barça every weekend, it's obvious! While they are not necessarily good for a team of this calibre – 31 goals conceded in 33 games played in all competitions – the numbers are not in themselves catastrophic. It is rather the impression that the Barcelona defense gives off that makes fans fear the worst. And it is not the last performances that will reassure them. Especially since they have no idea which one will be lined up next Tuesday. Indeed, apart from Alba whose place seems assured, uncertainty reigns as to the composition of the defense: Araujo more than uncertain (it could be that he plays under infiltrations!), Dest returning just from injury, Lenglet and Umtiti shouting lack of confidence … In short, nothing is done to reassure Blaugrana supporters. On the other hand, when it comes to the Parisian defense, we find ourselves with much more certainty. Only shadows on the table: the lack of rhythm of Navas (due to his return from injury) and the absence of Bernat. Net advantage for PSG defensively. 
Midfield: Two teams far from their big years
Here, the comparison seems more balanced. Indeed, as far as Barça is concerned, it is no longer the midfield that dominated everything in its path. With Xavi and Iniesta gone, Busquets very clearly on the downward slope, Barça no longer imposes the tempo of the game on their opponent as before. However, he continues to have a very fine midfielder with De Jong – who seems to have found his place in the Barcelona game – and the revelation of 18 years, Pedri, who has very quickly established himself in the eleven. On the PSG side, the new coach has made a tactical change: dixit the 4-3-3, place to the 4-2-3-1. In any case, this is what seems to be looming for the first leg with Gueye and Paredes forming the pair in the center and Verratti in number 10. Same observation as for Barça, PSG is much less dominant than a few years ago with then Motta – Verratti – Matuidi. Amputated of its metronomes (Neymar, Di Maria), PSG does not seem in a position to make the game, in any case, in the first leg. So we seem to be heading towards a situation where PSG, leaving the ball to their opponent, will operate against them, relying on Mbappe's speed. It remains to be seen if the Barcelona midfielder will be capable of enough creativity or if the PSG midfield will be more effective in forward transitions. We can therefore expect an indecisive struggle in this part of the field. 
Offensively: Barça much better than before
That's the big plus point – the only one? – at Barça. A Messi back in form, a Griezmann certainly not always in sight in the game but in success – 20 decisive actions (12 goals + 8 assists) in 2020-2021 against 19 (15 goals + 4 assists) the previous season! – or a Ousmane Dembélé well in legs. Conversely, at PSG, it lacks the technical leaders of the attack, namely Neymar and Di Maria – at least for the first leg. This means that the Parisian attack will probably be composed of Mbappé – Icardi – Sarabia. Much less dangerous than the Barcelona attack. However, with a desperate Blaugrana defencecoupled with Mbappe's speed, PSG have a real chance to hurt Barça. 
In addition, both teams are not having their best time with many injured or players just returning from injuries. However, if we were to identify a favourite, the balance would tip slightly in favour of PSG. Indeed, despite a weakened Parisian attack, the Barcelona defense seems to be in agony almost every game, regardless of the opponent. It would therefore be 55-45 for the qualification of PSG. Answer on February 16 and March 10.
