PSG vs Chelsea Betting Preview

Kick off: Tuesday, February 16, 19:45 GMT

Venue: Parc des Princes (Paris)

Head to head record

PSG vs Chelsea 1-1 (2015 International Champions Cup)
Chelsea vs PSG 2-2 (2014/2015 Champions League)
PSG vs Chelsea 1-1 (2014/2015 Champions League)
Chelsea vs PSG 2-0 (2013/2014 Champions League)
PSG vs Chelsea 3-1 (2013/2014 Champions League)

PSG vs Chelsea prediction

Chelsea will be looking to get their revenge on PSG for the defeat in the 2014/2015 Champions League knockout stages when the two sides take on each other in the elite competition for the third consecutive year, but beating the high-flying Ligue 1 side is easier said than done.

Impressive home record

Paris Saint-Germain are the dominant force in French Ligue 1 and they are on the verge of clinching yet another domestic trophy. However, les Parisiens aim to go all the way in the Champions League as well and that is the main reason why coach Laurent Blanc rested his key players in Saturday’s game against Lille. PSG eliminated Chelsea in the 2014/2015 Champions League knockout stages and, no doubt, the Ligue 1 champions want history to repeat itself. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been scoring goals for fun this season, meaning that the opposition defenders are likely to have their work cut out for them when facing the former Barcelona man. Over the years PSG have turned their Parc des Princes into a real fortress and you should have in mind that they have registered nine victories in previous ten matches at home ground.

Serge Aurier has been left out of the squad, meaning that that Gregory van der Wiel should start the match. Javier Pastore and Marco Verratti are both available for selection after recovering from their respective injuries.

Difficulties at the back

Chelsea have been producing fine performances under new boss Guus Hiddink, but the Dutch tactician has some injury concerns ahead of the Champions League clash against PSG. The Blues did crush Newcastle United 5-1 at the weekend, but the match was marked by John Terry’s injury. Considering that fellow defender Kurt Zouma has been ruled out for the season, I would not be surprised if the English outfit experience all sorts of problems at the back in Tuesday’s game against les Parisiens. Diego Costa has found his scoring boots of late and all eyes will be on the Spain international when the two big-spending teams take on each other in the “City of Lights”. Last time out Chelsea played out a goalless draw with PSG at Parc des Princes and there is every chance the visitors will adopt a defence-minded approach in the first leg. Yet another man to watch in the away team will be Brazilian winger Willian, who is in the form of his life.

John Terry is a major doubt and he will be monitored ahead of the kick-off, while Kurt Zouma and Radamel Falcao will definitely miss the game through injury. Guus Hiddink has no other fresh selection worries ahead of the trip to Paris.

Interesting Facts

• PSG netted 2+ goals in seven of their previous eight home games
• Les Parisiens suffered only one loss in last 19 home matches in CL
• Chelsea are undefeated under Guus Hiddink
• Blues kept a clean sheet in two of their last four games in CL
• Guus Hiddink’s team recorded their last win at Parc des Princes in 2004

PSG vs Chelsea betting pick

Both PSG and Chelsea have been in a fine form of late, but seeing that Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink is unlikely to count on Kurt Zouma and John Terry for Tuesday’s Champions League clash, I am tempted to put my money on the hosts, who have been impressive in all competitions this season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Co. are a real force to be reckoned with at home and they are likely to emerge triumphant in the first leg.

Pick: PSG to win

Odds: 7/10