Predictions
Attention now turns to Europe as Chelsea FC prepare for a huge UEFA Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
After edging past Wrexham AFC, Liam Rosenior’s side now travel to Paris hoping to replicate their memorable victory over PSG in last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
On that occasion, a brace from Cole Palmer and a goal from Joao Pedro secured a stunning win for Chelsea and lifted the Club World Cup trophy.
Rosenior will be hoping lightning can strike twice.
Chelsea Injury Concerns Remain
Chelsea head into the clash with several players still unavailable.
Jamie Gittens, Levi Colwill, and Estevao Willian are all expected to remain sidelined for the trip to Paris.
However, there were encouraging signs during the win over Wrexham, with Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia both getting minutes as they continue their returns to fitness.
Chelsea also rested two key players for that match. Captain Reece James and attacking star Cole Palmer were kept out of the starting lineup, ensuring they arrive in Paris fresh.
PSG Injury Update
PSG’s preparations have not been perfect either.
Luis Enrique saw his side suffer a 3-1 home defeat to AS Monaco on Friday night. The result tightened the Ligue 1 title race, with RC Lens now just one point behind at the top.
There was at least some positive news for the Parisians.
Ousmane Dembele returned from injury and played around 30 minutes after missing three matches, while striker Goncalo Ramos continued his own comeback.
However, PSG were still missing several players.
Young attacker Quentin Ndjantou remains sidelined until the summer, while midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been absent since mid-January.
There is better news regarding Joao Neves, who has missed the last two matches with an ankle issue. Reports in France suggest the midfielder is recovering well and could be included in the squad depending on his progress in training.
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Three Key Battles That Could Decide the Tie
Midfield Control
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes midfield will be the key battleground.
With Neves potentially only fit enough for the bench and Ruiz still unavailable, Chelsea may have an opportunity to dominate the centre of the pitch. The presence of a fully fit Reece James alongside players like Moises Caicedo and Lavia could give the Blues a physical edge.
Containing PSG’s Attack
If Dembele starts, Chelsea’s defence will face a major challenge.
Alongside him, PSG possess explosive attacking options such as Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
That could be problematic for a Chelsea defence that has kept just three clean sheets in 15 matches under Rosenior.
Palmer and Pedro in the Final Third
Perhaps the biggest factor will be Chelsea’s own attacking threat.
If Palmer and Joao Pedro are allowed space in the final third, the Blues have already shown they can hurt PSG. Their chemistry was evident during the Club World Cup final and has continued to grow throughout the season.
For Chelsea, the goal in Paris will be simple: leave France with the tie still alive.
A draw would be an excellent result. Even a narrow defeat would keep the Blues firmly in contention ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
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