PSV v Barcelona talking points as Luis Suarez absence demands reshuffle

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    Barcelona are in a strong position to advance past the group stages of the Champions League and should get the job done with a result away to PSV Eindhoven.

    The Spanish giants have been a mixed bag so far this season domestically but have coped well in the continental tournament, picking up three wins and a draw in their four group matches.

    PSV on the other hand are in desperate need of a victory in order to keep their hopes alive of making the round of 16.

    Here are a few talking points ahead of the encounter:

    VALVERDE’S SELECTION HEADACHE

    Ernesto Valverde is having to cope with a long list of injuries ahead of this fixture, chief among them being a knee problem which has ruled Luis Suarez out for two weeks.

    The Uruguayan’s absence presents a problem for the Barca coach who only has Munir El Haddadi at his disposal as a recognised senior centre forward.

    Deploying a 4-4-2 formation against Atletico Madrid on Saturday made for a more sturdy looking Barcelona side. But unless he’s willing to start Munir alongside Lionel Messi, Valverde may have to revert to a 4-3-3 system which would likely mean the controversial Ousmane Dembele included in the first XI along with Philippe Coutinho who only recently regained fitness.

    An injury to Brazil midfielder Arthur as well will mean Ivan Rakitic gets drafted straight back into proceedings after injury.

    Sidelined: Luis Suarez.

    Sidelined: Luis Suarez.

    LOZANO FORM

    If PSV have a danger man, it’s Hirving Lozano and Barcelona most likely know all about him.

    The Mexico international has consistently been linked to his ‘dream club’ and is in the form of his life at the moment.

    Lozano is one of the most sought-after wingers in football and has upped his game this season, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists Eredivise so far. He’s also coming into this fixture on the back of a fine performance against Heerenveen, against whom he bagged a brace.

    The 23-year-old largely operates on the left flank and with Sergi Roberto injured, should come up against Nelson Semedo who has looked suspect defensively.

    Barcelona are bound to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, meaning Lozano will play a key role as PSV’s main attacking outlet on the break.

    Hirving Lozano

    BARCA AWAY FROM HOME

    A draw at Philips Stadion would guarantee Barcelona a place in the round of 16, while three points would also see them wrap up the top spot in Group B. However, it hasn’t been quite so straightforward for the Catalans on the road this season.

    Their 1-1 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano over the weekend meant they’ve now dropped 14 points away from home in La Liga this term from a possible 18.

    Sergio Busquets is acutely aware of Barcelona’s shortcomings when travelling and that is a concern ahead of their trip to Eindhoven. Their last Champions League game produced a 1-1 draw at the San Siro against Inter Milan.

    “We had one very bad week with the matches against Girona, Leganes and Athletic and we paid for it,” he said in an interview with Catalunya Radio.

    “We’ve not been as solid and effective away from home as we’d like to be,” he added.

    However, Barcelona can take encouragement from their excellent 4-2 victory over Tottenham at Wembley, while they enjoyed an emphatic 4-0 win when they faced PSV at home.

    Sergio Busquets.

    Sergio Busquets.

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