High-flying Paris Saint-Germain face a stern test of their title ambitions as they play host to mighty Barcelona in the first leg of the Last 16 stage clash.

The Catalans have struggled on domestic stage of late, and they are keen to make things right with a strong performance in the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain are involved in a difficult title chase with Monaco and Nice in Ligue 1, meaning they cannot fully focus on the European campaign like in previous years.

Nonetheless, having shown some improvement in the past few weeks, winning four successive games in all competitions, the Saints head into the Barcelona game high on confidence.

PSG have only themselves to blame for setting up the clash with the Catalans as they missed out on the first place in the group due to failure to beat Ludogorets at home in their final group fixture.

The Saints, therefore, only won one group game at Parc des Princes this season, meaning they will have to be at their best if they want to keep this tie alive.

Head coach Unai Emery faces some selection problems seeing that Javier Pastore and Thiago Motta miss out through injury and suspension respectively.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Trapp – Meunier, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Kurzawa – Rabiot, Verratti, Matuidi – Di Maria, Cavani, Draxler.

Barcelona have been blowing hot and cold this season, but they appear to be in a good moment ahead of the match with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Catalans have been showing improvement over the last few weeks, winning league games against Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves, while they also qualified for the Copa del Rey final.

However, their performances this season have left a lot to be desired and it is clear that Barcelona will have to give their best at Parc des Princes.

The Catalans have been made 2.15 (23/20) favourites to win the first leg, which may have something to do with the fact that the Catalans have won last three meetings with PSG.

Head coach Luis Enrique will welcome back the likes of Gerrard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba, Denis Suarez and Sergi Roberto to the side.

Rafinha is back in contention despite breaking his nose, but Javier Mascherano and Arda Turan remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba – Iniesta, Busquets, Andre Gomes – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.