It is that time of the year once again, the EUFA Champions League football returns to the main stage. Premier League champions begin they knock-out journey with a trip to Paris where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of last 16.

Paris Saint-Germain cruising to domestic title

Laurent Blanc’s side is having a season to remember, as the Saints have blown their opposition away in the French Ligue 1 so far, sitting top of the league with 70 points after 26 games and not a single defeat to their name. They are 24 points in front of the closest rivals Monaco in second and it is fair to say they will cruise to yet another title in the domestic championship. The huge advantage will allow Blanc to focus on Europe and Champions League which remains a dream for his side. PSG finished this year’s group stage behind Real Madrid in group A and are facing Chelsea in the knock out stage, as the two teams met in each of the last two seasons. London-based club were more successful last time out, but this year the situation is somewhat different as Blanc’s team are on an incredible run of 32 games without defeat in Ligue 1. PSG are coming off from a goalless stalemate against Lille last time out, and were rocked by the scandalous behaviour from Serge Aurier who made a series of negative comments toward his coach and teammates on video posted on social media. Full back apologized, but he was suspended and will face a difficult time getting back into the team. Aurier has already been in trouble because of comments on social media and it happened last season just after the game against Chelsea when he made a negative remark over the referee Bjorn Kuipers.

Marco Verratti and Javier Pastore are unlikely to be risked as they have just returned from their respective injuries. As already mentioned, first-choice defender Serge Aurier is suspended for his negative comments towards Blanc and teammates.

Chelsea unbeaten under Hiddink

The Blues have made a wonderful prelude to their Champions League trip to France. Guus Hiddink’s mane have played one of the best games this season as they managed to put five past on-the-road terrible Newcastle United in a comprehensive 5-1 victory. Costa, Pedro with a brace, Willian and Traore have hit Magpies hard, before Townsend scored the solitary goal in the dying moments of the game. Fans were delighted with Chelsea’s performance this weekend, as well as the media, who are glorifying Hiddink’s influence on the team. Undefeated since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Dutch manager has successfully steadied the ship and Chelsea have indeed made progress since their terrible start to the campaign. Hiddink has called for confidence against PSG and has urged his players not to back down in front of the indomitable French giants. Blues will of course be filled with their renewed confidence as they have now went on 12 matches without defeat in all competitions. Hiddink had a big influence on Diego Costa, who seems to be back in form and will be expected to continue his scoring spree.

Chelsea will have to do without captain John Terry, who has picked up an injury against Newcastle United and Hiddink is unwilling to take the risk with the team’s captain. Defensive problems are huge since Kurt Zouma is also out due to his dreadful injury he suffered two weeks ago. The French defender will be out for the rest of the season. Alexandre Pato is not expected to feature as the Brazilian continues to gain match fitness following his recent arrival.

Verdict

There are no secrets between PSG and Chelsea as the two teams know each other very well having met in the last two season in the UEFA Champions League. With the result currently squared, it will be up to both teams to get in front and record a positive result that will bear huge importance before the return leg in London. Chelsea have many defensive problems, PSG are on an excellent run and I believe that Hiddink might be in for the first defeat as Chelsea manager.

Top pick: Home win    1.73 (8/11) @BetFred

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes    2.25 (5/4) @BetFair

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals    2.3 (13/10) @BetVictor