Chelsea FC visit PSG tonight as the Champions League returns for some knockout action. Guus Hiddink and Laurent Blanc have confirmed their teams!
With just under an hour until kick-off, Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and PSG manager Laurent Blanc have handed in their team sheets for this eagerly awaited clash.
| Chelsea FC | PSG |
|---|---|
| Thibaut Courtois | Kevin Trapp |
| Cesar Azpilicueta | Marquinhos |
| Gary Cahill | Thiago Silva (C) |
| Branislav Ivanovic (C) | David Luiz |
| Baba Rahman | Maxwell |
| Cesc Fabregas | Marco Verratti |
| John Obi Mikel | Thiago Motta |
| Pedro | Blaise Matuidi |
| Willian | Lucas Moura |
| Eden Hazard | Angel Di Maria |
| Diego Costa | Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
| Substitutes | Substitutes |
| Asmir Begovic | Salvatore Sirigu |
| Matt Miazga | Gregory Van Der Wiel |
| Ruben Loftus-Cheek | Layvin Kurzawa |
| Oscar | Adrien Rabiot |
| Kenedy | Benjamin Stambouli |
| Bertrand Traore | Javier Pastore |
| Loic Remy | Edinson Cavani |
More chelsea fc: Eden Hazard Does Himself No Favours With PSG Transfer Comments
Editor’s Note: Matic has not been dropped, but is suspended. Apologies for being a massive moron.
The first issue to discuss on the Chelsea side of affairs is the defensive line-up that Hiddink has opted for. Following Kurt Zouma’s unfortunate ACL injury and the minor knock that forced John Terry off at the weekend, the interim boss has chosen a backline that was largely expected.
With experience of playing in the middle, Branislav Ivanovic will reprise that role and take the captain’s armband in Terry’s absence. As a result, Cesar Azpilicueta will move over to his preferred right flank while Baba Rahman comes in for what is likely the biggest game of his career.
Matt Miazga travelled to Paris and does find himself on the bench. No matter how much MLS aficionados rate him, Blues fans will be hoping that he is not needed this evening.
Interestingly, Cesc Fabregas will play alongside John Obi Mikel in the centre of midfield. The Spaniard is most effective from this deeper role, as was proven once again at the weekend, but the situation caused many to believe that Nemanja Matic will sit there in a more defensive set-up. Instead, the still unimpressive Matic has been dropped for the hard-working Mikel.
Pedro is granted consecutive starts after being a surprise inclusion for the Newcastle game. The much-maligned signing put in his best performance in a Chelsea shirt on Saturday, bagging two goals in the process. Hiddink has rewarded his efforts with another starting berth, but Blues fans will be suspicious about his ability to produce the goods against quality opposition.
A second start is also afforded to Eden Hazard, who finally completed his injury comeback a few days ago. He was not exactly eye-catching, so it will be intriguing to see whether he can find some of his magic and steal the show on the big stage.
Willian and Diego Costa, of course, continue on the back of their great recent form.
Laurent Blanc has made six changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Lille at the weekend. With the Ligue 1 crown all but wrapped up, the reigning French champions could afford to rest their key players ahead of this big European clash.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, captain Thiago Silva and Lucas Moura are just three of the big names coming back into the starting line-up for PSG. Furthermore, when you look at the bench, they have the potential to cause many problems deep into the contest.
Next: Diego Costa Deserved His Standing Ovation Against Newcastle United
What do you think of the teams? Can Chelsea pull this off? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!