Two of the competition’s favourites meet in the first knock-out round.
Paris Saint Germain take on Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League tomorrow night in what is a repeat of last season’s enthralling quarter-final tie between the two.
The financial backing these two clubs have received over the past few years means that there are supreme talents lining up on either side which will no doubt provide a spectacle at the Parc de Princes.
However, as always when two squads are so evenly matched, we try to find the best combined XI from the respective clubs.
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GK – Thibaut Courtois
This position is one of the easiest to settle given the qualities of the Belgian no.1. Courtois is fast becoming the best goalkeeper in the world and is speaks volumes that his biggest competition in this team is team-mate Petr Cech
RB) Branislav Ivanovic
Despite being a divisive figure, the Serbian is a solid player who remains consistent in his quality up and down the pitch. Serge Aurier will surely turn out to be a splendid full-back, he isn’t experienced enough to challenge the Chelsea man.
CB) Thiago Silva
The PSG skipper is quite rightly regarded as one of, if not, the best centre back in the world and his importance was highlighted in Brazil when his team capitulated in his absence against Germany.
CB) John Terry
He maybe getting older, but Terry is arguably playing his best ever football and remains one of the most complete defenders in the world. A leader at the back, Terry doesn’t get as much credit for his techincal qualities which are immense.
LB) Cesar Azpilicueta
Jose Mourinho’s trusted lieutenant and the man for the big occasions, Azpilicueta has become a top draw full-back having re-invented himeslf as a left-back.
DM) Nemanja Matic
In an era of deep-lying playmakers and players wanted to come alive in possession of the ball, its hard to see a player in Europe operating at the level of Matic in his position.
CM) Marco Verratti
Billed as Andrea Pirlo’s heir apparent and a quick glance of his game explains why, Verratti is a conductor. The Italian midfielder touches the ball around 100 times a game and moulds his game around making his team tick.
CM) Cesc Fabregas
A man who needs no introduction having been producing sensational peformances for a decade now ever since he broke onto the seen in north London. Possess everything you would want in a midfielder.
CAM) Eden Hazard
The mercurial talent has recently signed a new five-year contract to stay in west London and with his ability, going right to the top of the game must be his aim.
CF) Diego Costa
A fearsome forward who has come on as one of Europe’s lethal centre forwards over the past 18 months and has been well worth the £32 million Chelsea paid for him,
CF) Zlatan Ibrahimovic
An enigmatic forward but will go down as one of the games greats due to his ability to just about do anything at any moment. The Swede could realistically hold the greatest goal of all time competition all on his own.