A trip to Paris has become a common thing in recent years, as Chelsea have managed to be put up against Paris Saint-Germain for the third time in successive season. When winning the group, Chelsea fans must’ve been dreaming about trips to Gent or Eindhoven but no, a trip to face a side that are currently unbeaten in their domestic league: PSG.
Chelsea have come into a decent run of form themselves, undefeated under Hiddink and will look to continue that on Tuesday night. Chelsea will look to put out a strong team despite the absence of Kurt Zouma and John Terry. Here is who I think will be in our starting XI.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian is going a key figure for any potential success at the Parc Des Princes this evening. Thibaut has been in decent form recently and will have to keep on his toes for the whole 90 minutes, with the likes of Angel Di Maria & Zlatan Ibrahimovic peppering his goal, If Chelsea were to get any sort of victory, we would have thank our Belgian keeper. And just a reminder, if a penalty needs taking then Courtois is your man; the keeper pinged his penalty top corner in a pre season friendly against PSG in the USA.
Defenders
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta: Dave will finally be able to play in his natural position due to the absence of John Terry. The Spaniard was moved to the right flank at the weekend and provided Bertrand Traore with a sublime cross that the Burkina Faso international calmly tucked away. Azpilicueta will post a threat on both fronts and will put in an impressive performance against the Parisians.
CB – Branislav Ivanovic & Gary Cahill: It is always devastating to lose both your first choice centre backs within one week, but this could be reminiscence of our champions league victory back in 2012 but this could be a harder test, a woeful season could be resurrected with a win over PSG. Ivanovic & Cahill will in their best performance of the season if they want to keep Zlatan quiet.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: With Azpilicueta moving to right back and Branislav Ivanovic moving to centre back, we will need a left back, and there is no other option other than Baba. The talented Ghanaian put in a decent performance against Newcastle and will hope to created that in Paris this evening.
Midfielders
CDM – Cesc Fabregas & John Obi Mikel: The perfect midfield pairing, Mikel complements Fabregas amazingly, allowing the Spaniard to free roam and will add more threat on the attack. Matic is suspended due to the amount of cards accumulated in the group stages; so John Obi Mikel will continue in midfield.
RW – Willian: The one PSG will have to keep their eyes on the most. The tricky midfielder has finally hit his prime this season, and has been Chelsea shining light throughout a dark and gloomy season for Chelsea fans. Willian has become a set piece master this season and could provide a huge threat for Laurent Blanc’s men.
AM – Eden Hazard: In all fairness I’ve not been happy with Eden this week, having openly said that it would be hard to turn down PSG just before our big clash with them is unacceptable but we will need him due to Oscar just returning from what it seems to be a slight injury, with the Brazilian missing our 5-1 victory over Newcastle united at the weekend.
LW – Pedro: A man with Champions league pedigree will face his biggest test in a Chelsea shirt. Since signing from Barcelona, the winger has been a bit lacklustre but 2 goals against Newcastle at the weekend may have cemented his place in the starting line up against PSG.
Striker
Diego Costa: A rejuvenated Costa has come at a perfect time, 8 goals in his 10 games in Guus Hiddink; the Spaniard will be our biggest threat in Paris tonight. It’s a rematch between David Luiz and Diego Costa, with the forward most likely going to come out on top. An away goal is vital and Diego Costa may be the man to get it.
