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Teams may simply have to accept that there is no stopping Hansi Flick's Barcelona.
Some had predicted a slowdown heading into the German's third year in charge following two dominant La Liga title wins. Yet rather than showing any signs of decline, Barça have only intensified their grip on the game.
They remain unbeaten across all 11 matches this season, and their 5–2 victory over Real Betis on Saturday saw Flick's men match a record standing for nearly 60 years. Real Madrid had been the sole club in the competition's history to win their first nine La Liga matches of a season, achieving the feat back in 1968–69.
Barcelona ventured into 'Hell' in Istanbul last week and have faced stern tests from the likes of Athletic Club and Betis. Yet the ultimate examination awaits ahead of El Clásico, which may seem relatively straightforward by comparison. Paris Saint-Germain represent the pinnacle of European football, having defended their Champions League title last season, and the rest of the continent received a stark warning in Manchester on Matchday 2 of the league phase.
The football world is buzzing with anticipation as Barça prepare to face Luis Enrique's side. Here's the lineup Flick could deploy in the French capital.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. PSG
GK: Joan García—Clean sheets are a rare commodity for Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper, and the Spaniard is expected to be kept on his toes in Paris on Tuesday. PSG are not only a formidable collective unit but also ruthlessly clinical in front of goal.
RB: João Cancelo—Flick is dealing with a full-back injury crisis ahead of this fixture, though he still has options available. Cancelo, who appears more at home on the left, is set to feature at right back. He netted a superb goal in Istanbul last week.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Tuttosport's next Golden Boy faces a stern test in Paris, as Enrique's fluid and positionally interchangeable unit has a habit of exposing opposing defenders.
CB: Gerard Martín—Questions will be raised about Martín partnering Cubarsí given the calibre of the opposition. The academy product is capable, but it is in matches like this where Barça's summer transfer shortcomings could prove costly.
LB: Xavi Espart—Flick places considerable faith in the youngster, and the magnitude of the challenge ahead of Espart cannot be understated. He will be tasked with keeping one of PSG's dynamic attackers at bay in a one-on-one situation.
CM: Rodri—Rodri stated that Barça must "adjust" to unlock their "full potential" ahead of Tuesday's clash, with reports suggesting the midfielder could be deployed in a defensive role. However, Flick is unlikely to move the World Cup Golden Ball winner from his central position on such a significant occasion.
Pick Your Barcelona XI!
CM: Pedri—Pedri is hitting his stride alongside Rodri, and the midfield contest promises to be utterly compelling.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Gabriel Jesus's reaction said it all — hands clasped behind his head in sheer disbelief. Lamine Yamal had just broken the deadlock with a breathtaking strike, and he will undoubtedly draw confidence from Nuno Mendes's absence for PSG in this fixture.
AM: Fermín López—It's an even contest between López and Dani Olmo, who came off the bench to score at the weekend. Olmo has a flair for the big stage, but López has an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, making him the ideal candidate to exploit PSG's sluggish midfield recovery runs.
LW: Anthony Gordon—The Englishman has already won over the hearts of Catalan supporters, having scored in each of his last five starts for club and country. Gordon surpassed double figures in Champions League goals last season and got off the mark against Galatasaray in his most recent outing.
ST: Raphinha—While Gabriel Jesus is certainly a reliable option, Raphinha looks set to spearhead Barcelona's attack after making his return from injury at the weekend.