Paris Saint-Germain coachUnai Emery will be looking to improve on his dreadful personal record against Barcelona when his team welcome the La Liga giants to Parc des Princes in the Champions League on Tuesdayevening.
Emery has won just once in 23 matches against the Catalans and will need a change in fortune to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter finals of the competition.
Classic Encounter
It is becoming a regular occurrence that these two titans meet in the Champions League, with Barcelona often emerging victorious. However, it is a win for PSG that really stands out from their recent clashes.
The sides met in a Group F game in September 2014, with the French side looking to extend their impressive unbeaten home run in Europe, a record stretching back to 2006. The hosts were missing a number of key players, including talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but were able to overcome a stubborn Barcelona side 3-2 with goals from David Luiz, Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi.
PSG fans will be hoping for more of the same with Barcelona looking to add to their previous five Champions League honours.
Key Battles
Marquinhos vs Luis Suarez
It's a battle that could well determine the outcome of this match, with Luis Suarez firing on all cylinders after his brace against Alaves in Barcelona's 6-0 win at the weekend. Although we do not appear to have seen him at his best in the Champions League as of yet, Suarez must not be given a sniff.
In the absence of defensive pillar Thiago Silva, Marquinhos will be expected to step up to the plate in terms of leading the defence. With his likely centre back partner Kimpembe just 21 years of age and Marquinhos himself only 22, the pairing will be hoping that youth, rather than experience, prevails.
Lionel Messi vs Kevin Trapp
Leo Messi a name that strikes fear in to any defender, and he's the top goal scorer in the Champions League this season. There's not much more that needs to be said about Messi, and if he's on form then Kevin Trapp could be in for a very busy night.
With 8 clean sheets in his 11 appearances this season, Trapp is no pushover in goal. However, it'll be a difficult task to keep MSN out and avoid any dreaded away goals from being scored.
Team News
Thiago Silva and Thiago Motta will both miss the first leg of this tie through injury, but the hostswelcome Marco Verratti back from a calf injury. Julian Draxler is expected to keep his place in the side after a fast start to life in Paris, with Cavani leading the line once more.
Barcelona are expected to recallGerard Pique after sitting out the 6-0 win at the weekend. Vidal is out for at least 4 months with an ankle injury, and is likely to be replaced by Sergi Roberto. Rakitic is likely to start in the centre of the park to look to bring some creativity and supply for the front three, who will be hoping that they can rediscover their deadly partnership.
Confirmed. Paris captain Thiago Silva (muscle) ruled out of #UCL round of 16 opener against Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/4gcOdUXjUf
PSG Likely Starting XI:Kevin Trapp; Thomas Meunier, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot, Angel Di Maria, Julian Draxler, Edinson Cavani.
Barcelona Likely Starting XI:Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andre Gomes, Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar.
Prediction
After an easy win at the weekend, this will be a proper test for the Catalan giants. The Parc des Princes is never an easy place to go and come away with 3 points, and it's likely that Barcelona will be happy to get on the score sheet and at least draw the match.
However, PSG will be out to ensure they make the most of home advantage before the return fixture at the daunting Nou Camp.
Score Prediction: PSG 1 - 2 Barcelona