It’ll be deja vu all over again in France on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain host Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League knockout stage tie for the second-straight year.
Chelsea dug themselves into a hole in Paris last season, and they’ll have a much stronger squad to keep that from happening again this year. However, even a PSG team currently ravaged by injuries still has more than enough quality to pull off a result at home.
Read on as we preview this absolutely star-studded showdown. For more Round of 16 action, check out our preview of Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich.
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UEFA Champions League Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea Predictions and Betting Preview
Paris Saint-Germain have problems ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea. The French champions have been struggling by their lofty standards in Ligue 1 (they’re currently tied for second) and are coming off consecutive draws against leaders Lyon (1-1) and relegation-threatened Caen (2-2).
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Not only did PSG give up a 2-0 lead to Caen, they also lost four key players due to injury. Midfielder Yohan Cabaye, defenders Marquinhos and Serge Aurier and forward Lucas Moura have all been ruled out against Chelsea. Blaise Matuidi and Maxwell also picked up knocks and are doubtful to play. Meanwhile, Javier Pastore may not be ready to return from his injury.
Nevertheless, PSG have a wealth of options, especially in midfield, with experienced veteran Thiago Motta and talented youngster Adrien Rabiot ready to step into the team alongside Marco Verratti. Former Chelsea defender David Luiz could also start against his old team.
Up front, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani are capable of unlocking any defense. The two strikers scored seven of the team’s 10 goals during the group stages. Ibra, in particular, will be very much in form. He’s scored in three of PSG’s last four league games.
With Cabaye and possibly Matuidi out, Verratti will be the key player in midfield for PSG against Chelsea. The diminutive Italian undoubtedly has the quality to run the show in midfield and provide decent service for Ibrahimovic and Cavani. He’ll likely be up against a compact and organized Chelsea midfield but if he can stamp his authority on the game, PSG will be in good shape.
PSG won the home leg of last year’s quarterfinal clash, 3-1.
Betting on Chelsea
Chelsea made short of work of their relatively easy Champion’s League group as they were one of just three teams to navigate the group stage undefeated. The Blues won four of their six games and drew the other two, while scoring 17 goals and conceding just three.
Since their shock 5-3 away defeat to Tottenham on New Year’s Day, Chelsea have also gone on a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, with 12 goals scored and just two conceded. The Blues did suffer a shock loss 4-2 to Bradford at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup during that time, but their early exit afforded them an almost one-week break to prepare for PSG.
Star striker Diego Costa has been on a much longer break than that. He’s missed the team’s last three games due to suspension. The Brazilian, who’s scored a league-high 17 goals in the Premier League, has yet to score in the Champions League this season. But he should be very fresh and ready to torment former Chelsea defender David Luiz, who is prone to making one or two mistakes at the back.
Manager Jose Mourinho has historically been quite cautious during away legs in Europe and it won’t be a surprise to see him field a conservative lineup against PSG. Expect Ramires and/or Willian, the versatile Brazilian midfielders whom Mourinho often calls upon in big games due to their willingness to defend, to play some part in nullifying PSG’s talented forwards.
One of PSG’s previous targets, Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard (two goals and two assists in five Champions League games), will be the Blues’ biggest threat when they do go forward. Look for Hazard to constantly trouble PSG’s stand-in rightback over on the left wing in search of goalscoring opportunities either for Costa or himself.
Writer’s Prediction
Mourinho plays it safe as Chelsea plays to a 1-1 draw (+210) in Paris. Create a betting account now and make your play on all the big Champions League Round of 16 matchups.
