Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea FC
Competition: Champions League, 2014/2015 - Round of 16 (first leg)
Match date: Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Parc des Princes (Paris, France)
Paris Saint-Germain did not get the momentum-building result they
needed over the weekend, as they were held to a 2:2 draw with Caen after
the visitors scored twice in the dying minutes of the match to come
back level. Injuries to Cabaye, Lucas, Aurier, and Marquinhos marred
what had been a good day, as manager Laurent Blanc’s substitutions meant
they were forced to play with just 9 players at the end of the match.
While it is uncertain whether any of these players can play this
midweek, their presence is highly doubtful, and Blanc has admitted that
it leaves his team exposed. However, they will take confidence from the
fact that they conquered Chelsea 3:1 last season at the Parc des
Princes, and the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva always
give this side a good shot at winning on any given day. They have gone
unbeaten this season in all competitions at home, winning 14 of those 18
matches (Super Cup included) with the most impressive victory coming
against Barcelona (3:2) in the UCL group stage. Therefore,
it seems safe to say that PSG should emerge here with their unbeaten
home record still intact, though victory could frustratingly avoid their
grasp.
Chelsea FC team travel to the French capital with plenty of
rest after not playing in the English FA Cup this weekend after their
defeat last round. That cup elimination has actually worked directly in
their favor, as not only will they be better rested and better prepared,
but the French champions have picked up some big injuries in their
weekend match while Jose Mourinho looked on from the stands. The boss
will have taken notice of their absence list and will be keen to avoid
the drama of last season’s knockout round clash that saw the aggregate
end 3:3 with Chelsea advancing on away goals. He would likely be
ecstatic with a draw here and should ultimately play for one as the
match goes on. However, they do have the ability to take a crucial
advantage against the hosts, as the return of Diego Costa is a critical
boon for the attack. The Spaniard watched as his compatriot Cesc
Fabregas made his return from injury last time out, and Chelsea will be
at near-full capacity when they travel to Paris. However, Mourinho will
likely opt for more defensive tactics with respect to what Paris Saint-Germain did to
them here last season, and a draw would likely be very well-received by
the Portuguese and his band of marauders.
Probable lineups:
Chelsea: Courtois – Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta – Matic, Fabregas – Willian, Oscar, Hazard – Diego Costa.
Paris Saint-Germain: Sirigu – van der Wiel, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Maxwell – Verratti, Motta, Rabiot – Cavani, Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi.
