The injury picked up by Messi in the first leg may prohibit or limit his participation this evening, yet as the Blaugrana showed in brutal fashion at the weekend they can function in formidable fashion without their Argentine phenomenon.
It should be noted that their 5-0 win on Saturday night came against Mallorca, the side bottom of La Liga table, yet the blistering efficiency of Cesc Fabregas in front of goal more than made up for Messi's absence and should he be required to play in a similar role tonight the former Arsenal man looks up to the challenge. Bet365 price a win for the Catalans at the Camp Nou at 4/11 (1.36) and given how they performed when required to at home in the previous round against Milan it is hard to argue with that price.
Paris Saint-Germain, for their part, can be backed at 8/1 (9.00) for a shock win while the draw is offered at 9/2 (5.50).
Yet the statistics all point to a home win and despite Barca suffering some injuries in defence, backing the home side to win by two goals or more at 4/5 (1.80) looks an attractive price. It is worth remembering that the only side to have beaten Barca at the Camp Nou in the last 88 games are Real Madrid, with the imposing ground very much a fortress both domestically and in European competition.
For a value bet, back Andres Iniesta to score at any time at 9/4 (3.25) which looks appealing, given that the World Cup winner may be charged with an even more attack minded role should Lionel Messi miss out.
 |
BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Barcelona to win by two goals or more at 4/5 (1.80) with Bet365 |
Andres Iniesta to score at any time at 9/4 (3.25) with Bet365 |
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Phil Kitromilides is a sports anchor working on TV in Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.