PSG vs Chelsea – Three Things To Look Forward To

Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain for the first time after the dramatic victory at Stamford Bridge last April. A lot has changed since that last minute winner by the squad rotation player Demba Ba. Paris Saint-Germain went on to sign Chelsea superstar David Luiz for a whopping price before the World Cup, while Chelsea have been shrewd in the market with purchases like Fabregas, Costa and Cuadrado. Last fixture’s both scorers- Ba and Schurrle have now departed the club as a strong Chelsea side takes on PSG in Paris.

PSG on the other hand have been struck with a huge injury crisis with as many as 4 key players ruled out of the match, and two players being doubtful. Chelsea face PSG at a very good time, with a much fresher and stronger squad. Here are the key battles we’re likely to witness in the match.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. John Terry

Zlatan- the charismatic, cocky and world class center forward faces Chelsea’s legendary skipper Terry one on one on Tuesday. While Terry has a certain weakness due to his slowness, Zlatan himself isn’t a speedster making the battle more about the psychology, and less about the apparent weakness that John Terry carries with his lack of speed. Zlatan did not have a good game last time Chelsea visited Paris, but a superstar like him would not be underestimated by his former coach Jose Mourinho, who’d give special instructions to his captain to take care of the big man. Zlatan is tricky with the ball, has strength and a powerful shot from either foot, making life hell for any center back. On the other hand, John Terry, this season, has proved to everyone that he is still among the best center backs in dealing with anything that isn’t lightening fast.

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2. Eden Hazard vs. Thiago Silva

It is going to be a tough night for Paris Saint-Germain after the injuries to Marquinhos and Serge Aurier. Eden Hazard pretty much keeps the whole back four occupied with his movement. So be it the Brazil pair David Luiz-Thiago Silva or the fullbacks, they would have to be on their toes against Hazard. He can hurt any team with his unpredictability and his penetrating runs into the box. Once Hazard enters the box, a defender can’t afford to make contact with him, as he has so proved, that he can be extremely skillful and unplayable when he has the ball at his feet in the opposition penalty area. Hazard though, faces a formidable opponent in Thiago Silva, a proven ball winner and an extremely composed defender. The Brazilian is ideally the only defensive minded defender in the PSG team, and has enough experience and class to read dribblers and track movements. Hazard likes to cut in from the left flank, or drift central from the right. Either way, he’d face a rock of a defender in Thiago Silva and it would be an amazing battle.

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3. Diego Costa vs. David Luiz

David Luiz is a much loved figure on any ground, but we can be sure of him getting absolutely no love from Diego Costa at least on the pitch. As Costa previously said, that he is a player who commits himself totally on the pitch and is an aggressor, but carries no hard feeling after the game, it would be interesting to see how Luiz matches up. David Luiz is more attacking and aggressive on the ball, and has often been tagged as careless while defending. But, there have been plenty of instances where Luiz has shown extreme quality in defending with his pace and commitment. While it is apparent that Silva would be there to support Luiz, Costa is likely to latch on to Silva’s error prone and instinctive partner. Both players are extremely instinctive and commit themselves. Both players can speak in a common language and are passionate.