Paris Saint-Germain meet Chelsea in the Champions League knockout stages for the third straight year, with the opening leg of their first knockout round tie taking place at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. The French side head in as favourites, though given that they’ve not faced any serious competition since their Champions League defeat away at Real Madrid at the start of November, they’re certainly out of practice against teams of Chelsea’s calibre. They’re currently 24 points clear of their nearest Ligue 1 competitor, and haven’t lost a single league game since last March.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea 2016: Time, TV schedule and news for Champions League
PSG face Chelsea in the Champions League knockouts for the third year running.
Chelsea have found life in the Premier League rather more tough this season, and only under interim boss Guus Hiddink have they started to look anything like the team that bullied their way to the title under José Mourinho last season. They’re still certainly not back to their best, and a shaky defence combined with a misfiring Eden Hazard will give PSG confidence of coming away with a victory, though the west Londoners haven’t lost a game since December. They’ll also be buoyed by their big weekend win at Stamford Bridge, in which they smashed struggling Newcastle United 5-1.
Key player: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
After a poor start to the season, Chelsea forward Diego Costa has found his best form over the last few weeks. The Spanish international has scored eight times in his last 10 appearances in all competitions, and certainly has the potential to cause big problems for PSG’s defence. Chelsea’s disappointing midfield displays this season have meant Costa has had to do much of the attacking work himself, though his ability to muscle defenders off the ball through brute force means he’s always got a chance of creating something from nothing.
Recent history
When these sides met in the quarterfinals of this tournament a decade ago, an 87th-minute second leg strike from Demba Ba secured a dramatic away goals victory for Chelsea, who overturned a 3-1 defeat in Paris with a last-gasp 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. However, PSG had their revenge at this stage last season, when they progressed by virtue of away goals after Thiago Silva scored in the dying minutes of extra time, ensuring the second leg finished 2-2, and the game 3-3 on aggregate.
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: Serge Aurier (internal suspension). In doubt: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Radamel Falcao (thigh); Kurt Zouma (knee). In doubt: John Terry (muscular).
PSG will be without full-back Aurier, who has been suspended by the club after making homophobic comments towards coach Blanc. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be without long-term layoffs Falcao and Zouma; captain Terry is doubtful with a muscular problem.
Match date/time: Tues., 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
TV: FOX Sports 1 (US - English); ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport Europe (UK)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go (US); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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