The Blues welcome Paris Saint-German to London eager to turn the 2-1 deficit from the first leg in France and to keep their Champions League campaign alive as Europe’s elite competition is their only chance of making the running season a success after all.

Chelsea picking up form

The 2-1 slump in Paris was Chelsea’s only defeat in their last ten matches across all competitions and it is fair to say that Guus Hiddink’s men have done well to improve their stuttering form from the first part of the season. An away goal at the Parc des Princes gives Chelsea plenty of hope ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge, but Blues are aware they will be up against equally motivated rivals. It is interesting to notice that away goals decided the meetings between these two sides in each of the last two seasons and Chelsea are hoping this will be their year to come out on top. In order to do so, Hiddink’s men will need to lock down their defences and throw away the key. With Kurt Zouma and skipper Jonh Terry both sidelined it will be a feat, though. Chelsea are heading into the crucial return leg of the UEFA Champions League knockouts with only one loss in 16 matches since the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December, but the latest 1-1 draw against Stoke City at home has seriously dented Chelsea’s hopes of reaching the top 4 in the Premier League and Champions League still remains Blues’ only chance of a mayor trophy.

John Terry is still recovering from the hamstring injury he picked up last month, but Diego Costa is getting back to the fold. Situation with Alexandre Pato is still unknown.

Are PSG slowing down?

French champions have failed to win their last two Ligue 1 matches. Having lost 2-1 at Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain went on to record a goalless draw against Montpellier at home in the last round of the French championship. Having in mind that Blanc’s men are 23 points clear of Monaco at the top of Ligue 1 and that they can secure another French title as early as next weekend, the Champions League return leg against Chelsea remains the priority for now and PSG will do their best to try and save the 2-1 lead from the first match. Late goal by Edinson Cavani has made all the difference between two sides, but the Parisians will have that Obi Mikel’s goal haunt them as it gives Chelsea plenty of reason to believe they can progress. PSG are under huge pressure as the media, club and the players as well are all burning with anticipation ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge. Zlatan Ibrahimovic might be having his final chance of making a push to the European title, the elusive trophy that has been getting away from him during his entire career. The Swede is nearing towards the end of his contract with PSG and will be especially motivated to make his presence known in the Champions League.

The visitors have received a major fitness boost as both Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi have been cleared fit to feature. Serge Aurier has been suspended by his club because of the negative comments and slurs towards the manager and the teammates.

Verdict

Chelsea’s defence line will be put to a stern test without Kurt Zouma and John Terry and up against the impressive striking force of the French champions. Diego Costa is back in the team and Chelsea will have their answer upfront, so I expect to see goals at both ends of the pitch.

Top pick: Both teams to score – yes    1.91 (10/11) @888sport

Alternative pick 1: Away win    2.7 (17/10) @Bet365

Alternative pick 2: Draw/PSG    6.5 (11/2) @BetVictor