Champions League Match Preview
Although both the teams have done really well to reach this stage of the competition, the result of this match will have far reaching consequences on the future of Laurent Blanc as PSG manager. Sitting at 2nd place in Ligue 1 playing chasing game with the leaders Lyon, Champions League would serve as the soothing factor for PSG fans.
For Chelsea even though they are sitting atop of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League is an accolade Mourinho still strives to achieve at the Bridge. Currently reigning in his 2nd stint at Chelsea, UEFA Champions League is the only trophy Mourinho hasn’t won with Chelsea.
Even though they were stunned out of the FA Cup when Bradford came back from 2 goals down, Chelsea were handed an ideal start to the Champions League as they got a week off. On the other hand for PSG who endured a difficult draw at Parc des Princes, the reigning French Champions undergone a horror weekend.
Neither club can afford an exit at this stage, even though they both are currently in the top 16 of Europe. For Laurent Blanc who has survived a difficult season at PSG, a defeat in this fixture might pave the way for an early exit because his contract binds him with PSG till 2016.
Team news
Here are the team news for both sides: –
Chelsea
While the reigning Premier League Champions endured 2 weeks without their main man Diego Costa – as the Spaniard was suspended for 3 games – the Premier League top scorer will feature in this match. And being the finalist of last season’s final, Costa will strive hard to go one better this season.
In terms of players that are sidelined from this match, the Brazilian Oscar has been a doubt coming into this match. Being absent from Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Everton last week, the Brazilian might make It to the Chelsea bench.
John Obi Mikel is the only player for Chelsea that has been sidelined. Since making an appearance in Chelsea’s win against Aston Villa, the Nigerian has already been ruled out of this match.
PSG
Although Saturday was a Saint Valentine day in France, it couldn’t have been more ruinous for the reigning French League Champions. The injury factor was so severe for PSG that they were forced to finish the match with 9 players because they had ran out of substitutions.
One of the notable absentees, Marquinhos might be a big miss for Laurent Blanc coming into this match. Lucas Silva and former Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye have both been ruled out from this match.
Being signed from FC Toulouse in the summer of 2014, Serge Aurier has also been sidelined from this match. Although the Ivorian was French Ligue 1 player of the year last season, he has failed to live up to the expectations this season for PSG.
Expected lineups:
Chelsea:
Cech – Azpilicueta – Cahill – Ivanovic – Ramires – Matic – Hazard – Fabregas – Willian – Costa
PSG
Sirigu – Maxwell – Luiz – Silva – Van der Wiel – Motta – Matuidi – Verratti – Cavani – Ibrahimovic – Lavezzi
PSG Vs Chelsea will be played on Tuesday, 17th February at Parc Des Princes at 20:45 GMT Match Centre
Paris Saint Germain vs Chelsea: Preview, Expected lineups, Team news
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