Chelsea will welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Stamford Bridge, trying to overcome a narrow 2-1 deficit, a goal that should be seen as very attainable for the Blues.

This week could define Chelsea’s season. Having the chance to advance into the later stages of the Champions League with a victory over PSG, and a win against Everton on Saturday the 12th of March would see Guus Hiddink’s men into the semi-finals of the FA Cup, having the small but very possible chance of winning two trophies; an incredible achievement made more impressive when considering how Chelsea’s season began.

If the Blues lose both of these matches, their season is effectively over. No chance of winning a trophy, and very little chance of getting anything out of the league.

How can Chelsea beat PSG?

The Parisians are enjoying one of the most dominant seasons that a club can have and are currently sitting 23 points clear at the top of Ligue 1. Laurent Blanc’s side have only suffered two losses all season. Once in the league and once in the Champions League. On the European stage, PSG can be forgiven for being beaten by Real Madrid as the Spaniards are renowned for being one of the most dominant forces in football.

However Lyon were the first team to defeat the French Champions in 36 league games. Their formula was simple, press their defence hard and do not allow them time to play. Alexandre Lacazette had a hand to play in both goals and Lyon made the most of wide positions, with former Manchester United right-back providing a cross for one goal, and Maxwel Cornet was allowed time and space by full back Gregory Van Der Wiel to slot home.

With Chelsea possessing talent on the wings such as Willian, Eden Hazard and Pedro, exploiting the flanks should be something for Hiddink to really consider.

Another positive for Hiddink to consider is the poor form the PSG have shown when playing on English soil. The French champions have failed to score in five of their six away games when against an English club.

Will their be similar scenes of celebration on Wednesday evening? | Image source: UEFA
Will their be similar scenes of celebration on Wednesday evening? | Image source: UEFA

Team news

Chelsea will again be without skipper John Terry, he and Kurt Zouma are both out injured with the latter expected to be out all season.

The two centre-back’s being injured has paved the way for young left-back Abdul Baba Rahman to have a chance in the first team, and helping the Blues progress through into the next round would be a great moment in the young defender’s career.

Hiddink will be happy to have the services of striker Diego Costa, the Spanish international was left out of the 1-1 draw against Stoke due to a minor tendon problem but has trained ahead of the game against the French side.

PSG have only one injury concern with Marco Veratti expected to miss the game at Stamford Bridge. Blanc left out Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Luiz and Thiago Silva in their last game in the league but all three are expected to return to the side.

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About the author
Ryan Caffrey
I am a sports journalist studying at Huddersfield University. Taking a keen interest in football and fighting sports.