Chelsea vs PSG: 3 Key Player Battles That Will Decide The Outcome Of The Game

Three Key Player Battles- Chelsea vs PSG

Chelsea host Paris Saint Germain for a tough second leg of the Round of 16 tie that would decide the fate of both the teams. Mourinho’s men have an away goal advantage, but the Parisians come with a strong strike-force to vouch for their own away goals. It would be an interesting match and here are the player battles.

1. Nemanja Matic vs Blaise Matuidi

Matuidi is the engine of the Paris side, and he provides the work rate and the offensive contributions to give dynamic dimensions to Paris’ attacking approach play. Ramires did a handy job the other day in the first leg, but Matuidi was clever enough to force his way to areas where Chelsea central midfield couldn’t affect him. However, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea would be expected to have more possession and initiative, meaning Matuidi will be a threat on the counter and usually in the area where Matic plays.

Matic has proven to be a great block defensive midfielder shielding the back four completely and providing protection of the highest order. He is someone who is not so easily bypassed and Matuidi will be at his best to try and nullify Matic’s dominance. Matic would need to be wary of Matudi’s tricky movement while the Frenchman would have to maintain his flair or else risk getting his pocket picked by the giant Serbian.

2. Eden Hazard vs Thiago Silva

Hazard

Hazard likes to dribble around and cut in dangerously to affect the build up from the central areas and has usually left all fullbacks for the dead. Thiago Silva is the man who occupies the Center Back position facing Eden Hazard and it would be interesting to see how the battle pans out. Hazard can be devastating while cutting in from the left and firing shots or creating chances.

Last time out, Hazard was checked by 3 players. Verratti, Luiz, and Silva  mostly managed to keep him quiet by extensive and rigorous fouling. Stamford Bridge would be different, as Chelsea are known to be much more offensive and clinical. Also, the home crowd would make their feelings known to the ref on repeated fouling.

3. Diego Costa vs David Luiz

We got a hint of this battle in the first leg when Costa was aggressive towards the Brazilian. Tonight, it is likely that Luiz will play the central defender’s role and it would be a hell of a battle. Both are passionate players. Both can speak the same language. Diego Costa has been a beast and a menace to all central defenders, and it is pretty apparent that he would like to keep Luiz occupied.

While Luiz has been solid for PSG lately, he has those concentration lapses in the game which Costa would try to take advantage of. While Luiz is clever in his aggression, Costa lacks the subtlety and would have to be careful while playing against a technically gifted center back, as he can play the ball from defense and Costa would have to close him down.