Chelsea FC will welcome the defending Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint Germain, to Stamford Bridge for the return leg of their Last 16 Champions League tie on Wednesday. With the clash delicately balanced following the 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes some 3 weeks ago, let’s take a look at PSG’s form since the first meeting.
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The Parisian flag-bearers have been kept fairly busy in the 22 days that separate the two games, taking the field on four distinct occasions against three different teams. Three of these games have been in the league, with the remaining fixture coming in the quarter-finals of the French Cup.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, the bottom line is that PSG have been downright impressive. They have been undefeated in the four matches with only one draw. Following the first leg, PSG proceeded to demolish Toulouse before drawing away at Monaco the next weekend. In their second game in a matter of days they then emerged victorious against the same opposition in a Cup tie, before destroying Lens this past Saturday.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, the bottom line is that PSG have been downright impressive.
This is not the whole story though. In these matches they have averaged a mammoth 59% of possession, along with taking over 16 shots per game and scoring nine goals in total. The draw against Monaco was not a true reflection on how the game panned out either as Laurent Blanc’s men had 57% possession firing at goal twice the number of times the opposition did. An inability to get any of these on target was what cost them. On the defensive front, they’ve shaped up decently conceding only twice (one each in games they won 3-1 and 4-1 anyway) with defenders and defensive midfielders chipping in with a fair few goals of their own.
However, Lens and Toulouse are both struggling teams near the bottom of the table and thus comprehensive victories over them may not be as significant as it may appear. On the other hand, Monaco with or without Falcao are now a Champions League team and so the way in which PSG dominated them over two games (despite having to settle for a draw in the first meeting) must receive the praise it deserves.
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Ibrahimovic and company come to London high on confidence and with a goal threat that could seemingly emanate from any of the eleven on the pitch. They seem to be just hitting their straps at the right time as they look to usurp Lyon at the top of the league (the lead is one point) and retain the national crown. Undoubtedly with the talent in the squad they will also have their sights set on Europe’s premier trophy and Chelsea are getting in the way. This is not the ideal time to face these lads and it will be down to Mourinho to possibly mastermind another outstanding defensive display to protect the slender advantage Chelsea are carrying over.
Perhaps the Blues’ week off may provide that small benefit they need? Onwards to Wednesday night for what should be, if not a cracker, a certainly enthralling battle.
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