Barcelona could send PSG a surprise with attacking starting lineup selection

FC Barcelona will travel to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night for the Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Ligue 1 champions PSG, having just eliminated reigning Serie A winners Napoli.

While PSG aren’t in nearly as much dysfunction or disappointment as Napoli this season, Kylian Mbappe’s imminent departure has cast a cloud on a side that is usually a downer in the Champions League.

So Barcelona, despite their own failings in the competition in recent years, come into the quarterfinals in Paris as the favorites. With key injuries in midfield, many are wondering how Xavi will line his team up.

According to a report from MARCA, Xavi is considering a surprise option with his starting XI against PSG this Wednesday, as he is contemplating the possibility of starting new Brazilian prospect Vitor Roque in the first leg.

Roque joined to immediately get starts in relief of Robert Lewandowski, and he could even be part of a two-striker system with the veteran Polish international.

Barcelona have unsurprisingly been easing the 19-year-old along, but despite starting just once with nine further substitute appearances in LaLiga, the young man has scored twice.

It is highly unlikely for Roque to start on paper, but that’s why this is a “curveball” decision Xavi could throw at PSG’s ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.

Throwing the opposition off is the name of the game, and Vitor Roque is talented enough to make an impact, especially if Joao Felix is unable to start for La Blaugrana. Roque could start on the left wing with Lewandowski staying in the middle and Lamine Yamal coming off the right.