PSG vs Chelsea : Can Chelsea Ruffle Some Feathers In The French Capital?

Paris Saint-Germain welcome Chelsea for a clash rich in quality and an encounter guaranteed to deliver tension and ambition under the bright Parisian floodlights at the Parc des Princes.

The last time these two sides crossed paths was during the FIFA Club World Cup final last summer, a meeting that offered a fascinating glimpse of how deadly Chelsea can be on the global stage. On that occasion, the Blues managed to edge the contest in dramatic and dismantling fashion, capitalising on moments of attacking quality while Paris Saint-Germain struggled to fully impose their rhythm on the game. Chelsea's composure in key moments ultimately proved decisive, leaving PSG with lessons to take forward.

Nights like these in the French capital are rarely a dull affair and with the Parisian roar of the crowd echoing through the stadium, the stage is perfectly set for another battle. PSG will look to make their home advantage count, leaning on their attacking flair and technical brilliance as they attempt to dictate the rhythm of the game. However, for Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, the occasion carries an added layer of significance. Not long ago, Rosenior was honing his managerial craft at Strasbourg and Hull City, steadily building his reputation step by step. Now he finds himself pacing the touchline on one of football’s grandest stages. It has been a remarkable rise through the managerial ranks, proof that in football, patience and persistence can eventually open the right doors. Rosenior has certainly grabbed the bull by the horns, and his journey from the grind of domestic leagues to the glamour of Europe shows just how quickly the landscape of the game can change.

Chelsea arrive in Paris with a slight dent in belief and momentum, having nearly fallen short to Championship side Wrexham at the weekend. However their attacking combinations are beginning to click, and Joao Pedro appears to be having a golden run at just the right time, with 21 goals and 6 assists in all competitions this season. While Rosenior may rotate his squad to keep legs fresh, his side will likely not just roll over. They will be determined to give as good as they get and show they can mix it with Europe’s elite once more.

Tactically, the midfield battle could prove the decisive battleground, where control, composure and quick thinking will separate the wheat from the chaff. PSG will aim to dominate possession and stretch Chelsea’s defensive lines, while the Blues may look to stay compact before hitting their hosts on the break due to Luis Enrique and his side always adopting a high line. One thing is certain, with two ambitious sides locking horns and the stakes sky-high, this contest has all the ingredients of a European classic.

Prediction : 2-2

Player to Watch : Bradley Barcola