Here’s how Chelsea’s starting XI may look for the first leg of their Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
Having defeated Paris Saint-Germain over two legs in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals last season, Chelsea will be looking for a similar result in against the French giants in the last sixteen this term. The return of Diego Costa from suspension should be a boost for Jose Mourinho’s side.
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GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is likely to return in goal for Chelsea, despite Petr Cech making some crucial saves and keeping a clean sheet against Everton.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic
As well as defending as solidly as ever, Ivanovic has been in great form at the other end of the pitch lately – scoring the winning goal in two of Chelsea’s last four games. The Serbian is set to keep his place for the fifth successive game.
CB: Kurt Zouma
The 20-year-old has impressed since he was selected for the Chelsea first team and is likely to remain in the team with Gary Cahill once again consigned to the bench.
CB: John Terry
The skipper is forming a formidable partnership with Zouma at the heart of the defence. And with two goals already in this season’s competition, he will definitely be looking to make his presence felt from set-pieces.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has only played twice in this season’s competition but both were resounding wins for Chelsea including a 5-0 drubbing of Schalke.
DM: Nemanja Matic
The 26-year-old has been an ever-present in this season’s competition and has protected the defence expertly this season. His presence will be required if Chelsea are to keep PSG’s formidable front three of Pastore, Cavani and Ibrahimovic quiet.
DM: Cesc Fabregas
The midfielder played 20 mins of Chelsea’s victory over Everton after recovering from a hamstring injury but is likely to return to the starting eleven for this important fixture.
RW: Willian
The Brazilian got the late winner against Everton last time out and is set to start his fifth consecutive game.
AM: Oscar
Oscar is set to return to the starting line up after missing the Everton victory to face his former teammate and countryman David Luiz.
LW: Eden Hazard
The winger has been in scintillating form this season and thus is Chelsea’s main hope in creating a major opportunity.
ST: Diego Costa
The striker was missed by Chelsea while he served his three match ban for stamping on Liverpool’s Emre Can. Mourinho’s men have picked up seven of a possible nine points while he’s been banned but haven’t looked convincing in front of goal.