Chelsea were surprisingly lacklustre in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie at Paris Saint-Germain, though José Mourinho’s side managed to escape with a 1-1 draw and, crucially, an away goal. Heading into Wednesday’s reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge, the onus will be on PSG to attack. And when their opponents come forward is arguably when Chelsea are at their most dangerous.
Chelsea vs. PSG, 2015 Champions League: Start time, TV schedule and team news
PSG will have to score at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to stand any chance of making the Champions League quarterfinals.
In possesion, Mourinho’s teams are probably underrated. Thanks to their vast array of creative talents, and endless rotation in the final third, they’ve become pretty good at breaking deep defences down. But they’re still outstanding on the counter-attack, with the blistering pace of their attacking stars able to capitalise on any defensive weakness with brutal efficiency. PSG are certainly underdog heading into this meeting.
Key player - Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Marco Verratti hasn’t always been wholly convincing since joining PSG from Italian minnows Pescara, though the young midfielder impressed in the first leg at the Parc des Princes. His range of passing from deep in midfield will be crucial in his side’s hopes of unlocking Chelsea’s back line, particularly out to PSG’s advancing full-backs. He’ll also have to be attentive defensively, or else he’ll leave his teammate David Luiz with a very heavy burden in the anchorman role.
Key matchup - Eden Hazard vs. Gregory van der Wiel
If Chelsea are going to hit PSG on the counter, the man they’re going to be looking to is winger Eden Hazard. His lightning speed and dazzling trickery makes him an ideal player on the break, and will be causing nightmares for his direct opponent, Gregory van der Wiel. The Dutch full-back showed a tendency to push forward and attack in the home leg, though he’ll have to be a little more on guard at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: John Obi Mikel (knee). In doubt None.
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: Serge Aurier (thigh), Lucas Moura (hamstring), Yohan Cabaye (groin), In doubt: None.
Chelsea’s only certain absentee is midfielder John Obi Mikel, who is still sidelined with a knee injury. PSG are a little less salubrious: Blanc will be without right-back Serge Aurier, midfielder Yohan Cabaye and winger Lucas Moura, though fortunately none are absolutely instrumental first-teamers.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 3:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet regional (Canada), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), beIN Sports (France)
Online: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (France)
See More:
