The Champions League returns on Tuesday with Paris Saint-Germain hosting Chelsea at the Parc des Princes. It’s a rematch of a meeting between these sides in last season’s quarterfinal, which the hosts managed to win 3-1. They eventually lost the away leg 2-0 to allow Chelsea to progress to the semis, but they’d no doubt be delighted if they manage to give themselves another two-goal buffer to take to Stamford Bridge this time around.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea, Champions League 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
A spate of late injuries have given PSG cause for concern ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea.
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That’s because Chelsea are big favouites heading into this encounter. José Mourinho’s outfit are cruising at the top of the Premier League table, in stark contrast to PSG’s toils in Ligue 1. They managed to throw away a two-goal lead at home to minnows Caen on the weekend, leaving themselves down in third place. Add to their patchy form a string of injury concerns, and things look even more difficult for Laurent Blanc’s men.
Key player - Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been on fire since making the move to English football in the summer. The former Atlético Madrid man has netted 17 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, and is staking a claim to be the best pure striker in world football at the moment. PSG’s Brazilian centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and David Luiz could well struggle to temper his predatory instincts.
Key matchup - Eden Hazard vs. Gregory van der Wiel
Chelsea's most technically gifted player is Eden Hazard, whose magnificent dribbling ability down the left can terrorise opposition full-backs. In this match he'll be up against the not entirely convincing Gregory van der Wiel, in a battle that could well define this tie.
SB Nation presents: The Champions League explained in two minutes
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: Serge Aurier (thigh), Lucas Moura (hamstring), Yohan Cabaye (groin), In doubt: Blaise Matuidi (knee), Javier Pastore (calf), Marquinhos (hamstring)
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: John Obi Mikel (knee).
Paris Saint-Germain will be without a string of first-teamers after being hit by several injuries in their draw against Caen on the weekend. Defender Serge Aurier, midfielder Yohan Cabaye and attacker Lucas Moura are all injured. Midfielders Blaise Matuidi and Javier Pastore, along with defender Marquinhos, will be hoping to shake off their respective problems in time to be involved. Chelsea, meanwhile, only have one injury doubt: midfielder John Obi Mikel.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet regional (Canada), ITV 1 (U.K.), beIN Sports (France)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go, Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), ITV Player (U.K.), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (France)
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