Champions League News
Coming into this match playing Caen at home, the reigning Ligue 1 Champions were hoping for a perfect warm-up before their home leg with Chelsea. However, on the Saint Christine day, their starting lineup was ruined to say the least. Finishing the match with Caen with 9 players on the pitch, Laurent Blanc saw 4 of his main players out injured during the 90 minute period.
Thus, in order to avenge last season’s loss, here is how PSG should lineup against Chelsea in the first leg of Champions League quarter finals: –
Salvatore Sirigu
Although the French domestic Champions has been scathed by injuries this term, this is probably the only player which has been the constant member of their starting 11 all season. Having started 24 matches for the French giants this season, Sirigu should be in the goal for Lauren Blanc’s men on Tuesday.
Gregory Van der Wiel
Although Laurent Blanc would have opted to start the Brazilian Marquinho in his starting 11 against Chelsea, the injury suffered by the Brazilian has forced the PSG manager to re-consider his plans for the much awaited fixture. And at 27 years of age with 15 appearances this season, Van der Wiel is expected to start the match.
Thiago Silva
In a season where PSG has played the chasing game for most of the period till date, Thiago Silva has been a consistent member in the back four for PSG. Although he missed a large part of this season due to injuries, the Brazilian stalwart will lead the line for PSG on Tuesday
David Luiz
While two teams will go head to head at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, the buildup of this game is largely focused on one man: David Luiz. Forgetting his forgetful performance against Germany in the World Cup semi-final when he lead Brazil for the first time, the focus is on the 50million pounds which PSG paid to Chelsea for his signature. While many people attribute that 50million pounds as a cause of current decline of PSG, this match will host the perfect stage for Luiz to showcase his abilities.
Maxwell
Being a part of the Brazilian trinity that has been a part of PSG defense for most of this season, Maxwell could be an influential figure for PSG. Having scored 1 goal with 2 assists to his name, Maxwell would pose perfect fight with David Azpilicueta on the left flank.
Thiago Motta
Although injuries to 4 players were enough to ruin the party for PSG fans, Motta also survived an injury scare against Caen on Saturday. He will be one of the few survivors from that match that will also feature against Chelsea.
Blaise Matuidi
While Chelsea have probably the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League in shape of Nemanja Matic, Matuidi might prove to be a trump card for PSG if they are to salvage a win. Having started 16 games for the French Champions this season, the powerful French midfielder might prove to be an asset for Matuidi.
Marco Verratti
Being the 2nd Italian in the PSG midfield after Thiago Motta, the 22 year old attacking midfielder should up his game on Tuesday, Although he has started 18 games for PSG, the Italian has scored a single goal from that role.
Ezequiuel Lavezzi
For a player that has been out for long terms of injuries this season, Lavezzi would start on the right wing role for PSG. He has scored 4 goals and managed a single assist this season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Although his form this season has been below par for most of the opening months, the Swede is slowly getting back into form. On the back of his goal in the opening minute which can only be attributed to Zlatan, Ibrahimovic will start in the central attacking role for PSG.
Edinson Cavani
Back in the summer of 2014 when his National team Uruguay was expelled from the Group stages of the World Cup, there were talks of him leaving the French side after just 1 season. However, thanks to the injury suffered by Zlatan, his stay was extended. He has scored 8 goals this season.
PSG Vs Chelsea will be played on Tuesday, 17th February at Parc Des Princes at 20:45 GMT [Match Centre]
How Paris Saint Germain will lineup against Chelsea
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