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UEFA Champions League QF: Chelsea vs PSG Preview

Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.

Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain | Tuesday 08 April | Stamford Bridge | 20:45

Chelsea returned to a semblance of their best form with a commanding home victory over Stoke this weekend. The relevance of it was curtailed by wins to both City and Liverpool however, as Champions League glory still probably represents their most realistic chance of success. PSG have settled their domestic entanglements, looking to build on their pièce de résistance in Paris last week. The absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic does deprive the Parisians of their most iconic and prolific figure. However, he was largely ineffectual prior to his injury and his absence actually demonstrated the strength in depth that many pundits have failed to recognise in PSG. This should be a riveting clash of the cash, that will hinge, as usual,  on that hallowed first goal.

To Win (90mins)
Chelsea 8/10
Draw 24/10
Paris Saint-Germain 34/10

Chelsea
Chelsea’s performance last week lacked all the European know-how that one has come to associate with Jose Mourinho’s sides. They seemed to rest soundly on their away goal as if it were the proverbial ‘holy grail’, looking desperately uninterested in mounting attacks in the last portion of the game. Samuel Eto’o will surely play if near fit; Fernando Torres has had the confidence of a Nam veteran watching Platoon recently. Willian has been in excellent form while Eden Hazard only had to play thirty minutes on the weekend, a fact that should offer Chelsea fans some hope of an improbable fightback.

Yet, Chelsea need only look back to their all conquering 11/12 campaign and their Herculean comeback against Napoli for inspiration. Ramires will be tasked with ushering the dangerous Lucas Moura, whom will most certainly start after his potent performance last week. Schurrle was workmanlike but will be forsaken for a player more capable of immediate impact. Oscar is due an indelible performance and will partner Willian and Hazard in a potentially devastating midfield trio. The problem Chelsea face will be in balancing the potentially hazardous need for goals with a pragmatic determination to keep a clean sheet. And PSG have shown a propensity for invention that should provide a thrilling cat and mouse encounter

PSG

The injury to Ibra will no doubt change Laurent Blanc’s strategic outlook for this second leg. A detached observer may think it prudent for the Parisians to adopt a slightly cautious approach, protecting the lead that they fought so hard to attain. But in reality, if PSG were to score, Chelsea would have to score three to just push the game to extra time. So I expect PSG to press forward at every opportunity and look to utilise their blistering pace. Lavezzi and Moura will look to make lung-busting bursts, while Cavani will enter into Ibra’s more centralized role.

Verratti had a slightly nervy showing in Paris and will likely make way for the solid Blaise Matuidi in the holding role alongside Thiago Motta. Pastore may also enter the fray considering the individual genius he displayed in PSG’s vital third goal. This should create a fluid, dynamic system that will keep David Luiz and Ramires occupied in the deeper lying roles of Chelsea. Alex will return to his former club while Thiago Silva continues to dominate the penalty area. PSG will look to play on the counterattack, committing their swift van as often as possible.

VERDICT: Chelsea 8/10
Chelsea certainly have the quality in their team to trouble the PSG defense. Buoyed by the home crowd, Chelsea should dominate large portions of possession and dictate the tempo of the match. However, PSG will always be a huge threat on the counterattack and I can’t see them going through the ninety minutes without a goal. Somehow I feel Lucas Moura will be the central figure for the French side and could play a huge role in scoring their decisive goal. Chelsea to win it, PSG to qualify. Both Teams to Score also offers good value at 17/20.

The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your view below.

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