Xavi has two major selection decisions to make for Barcelona vs PSG – report

In two days, Barcelona will welcome Luis Enrique’s PSG outfit at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.

The Blaugrana go into the game with an advantage from the first leg, having defeated the Parisian giants 3-2 at Parc des Princes earlier this week.

Barcelona further built on that momentum by defeating Cadiz 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday, that too with Xavi Hernandez ringing in the changes on the field.

While the alterations that the manager made gave a fair indication of his plans for the starting XI against PSG on Tuesday, there are two key selection decisions for Xavi to make, reports MARCA.

Pedri or no Pedri in midfield?

It has been less than a week since Pedri made his return from a third injury layoff this season. The midfielder came on as a substitute against PSG and made an immediate impact, setting Raphinha up for a goal.

On Saturday, Pedri was once again utilised as a substitute by Xavi, which was seen as an indicator that he wants the midfielder to start against PSG.

However, some reports suggest that there are still some doubts about whether Pedri can start and play a full game, that too against high-intensity opponents like PSG.

Is Pedri ready to start vs PSG? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

With the possibility of the game going into extra time also existing, there is a line of thought about using Pedri in the latter stages of the match.

As such, Xavi must decide whether to start with Pedri or use him off the bench against PSG. With Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen suspended, if Pedri does not start, it will be Fermin Lopez who could be in line to feature.

Raphinha or Joao Felix in attack?

Up until yesterday, everything pointed towards Xavi continuing with the frontline of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha as his attacking trident against PSG.

However, Joao Felix’s performance against Cadiz last night may have sparked some doubts heading into Tuesday’s match.

The Portuguese international enjoyed a fine performance in the La Liga clash, capped off by a stunning overhead kick which proved to be the match-winner.

As such, Joao Felix has now thrown his hat into the ring for a starting berth and Xavi must now decide if he warrants a place or whether it would be best to continue with Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski.