Paris Saint-Germain head into their match away at Chelsea on Wednesday looking to defend a one-goal lead from the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. The Ligue 1 outfit emerged from last month's encounter at the Parc des Princes 2-1 up, though Chelsea's away goal ensures the tie remains a knife-edge. It will doubtless be a nervy atmosphere in all corners of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news for Champions League
Chelsea head into the second leg of their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain a goal down on aggregate.
Nonetheless, Chelsea will feel confident of pulling themselves back into the match: the first leg marked their only defeat since Guus Hiddink replaced José Mourinho on the touchline in December. The Dutchman has steadied the Stamford Bridge ship, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if they managed to overturn their deficit on Wednesday. They can also take confidence from the history books: PSG haven’t won away at Chelsea in three previous attempts.
Key player: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
If Chelsea are to win this match, it wouldn’t be surprising if Diego Costa played a starring role. The Spanish international has been in fine form, scoring 10 goals in the 14 games he’s played since Boxing Day. Prior to then, he’d managed only four since the start of the season. Strong, powerful and a general bully of opposition defenders, he could well prove to be the difference here.
Key matchup: Ángel Di María vs. Baba Rahman
Chelsea’s defence remains plagued by injury problems, meaning Ghanaian Baba Rahman should keep his place at left-back. If his impressive first-leg showing is anything to go by, the Blues have nothing to fear; but if, as can only be expected from a player so young, he’s unable to sustain such a high standard, PSG winger Di María has the potential to tear him apart.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Kurt Zouma (knee); John Terry (hamstring). In doubt: Pedro (hamstring); Kenedy (groin).
Paris Saint-Germain injuries and suspensions
Out: Serge Aurier (internal suspension). In doubt: Marco Verratti (groin); Blaise Matuidi (thigh).
Chelsea will be missing two of their regular centre-backs in Zouma and Terry, though wingers Pedro and Kenedy could both return from muscular injuries.
PSG’s only certain absentee is full-back Aurier, who is still suspended by the club after making homophobic remarks about coach Blanc. Midfielders Verratti and Matuidi both face late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English); FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish); beIN Sports (Canada); BT Sport Europe (U.K.)
Online: FOX Soccer 2GO, FOX Sports GO (U.S.); beIN Sports Connect (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (U.K.)
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