This game could me the most important of Chelsea’s season to date, The blues play Paris Saint-Germain in a game in which could determine their European hopes next season; Guus Hiddink’s men currently sit 10th in the Premier league table, Â 10 points adrift from a Champions league place.
Chelsea fans could reminisce about that last time their team struggled in the league, which concluded in the club becoming the first London club to win the Champions league back in 2012. But we need to be thinking about Wednesday, a time for players to step up and show leadership in times of need.
PSG currently go into the game with a 2-1 aggregate lead, but with John Obi Mikel getting the goal in Paris, the game remains in the balance. Guus Hiddink will need to look into the eyes of every single player to see if their up for it, he needs to make the right decisions.
Here is my predicted line up:
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois: A man who has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, Courtois has conceded in his last five games for the club, which has become a concern. In a game of such magnitude, we will need to Belgian shot stopper to be in top form if we want to keep PSG’s deadly front line quiet.
Defenders
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta: The Spaniard had a troublesome game in the return leg last time out, with Maxwell and Angel Di Maria causing him a lot of havoc; but Dave will look to resurrect his performance and show the Chelsea faithful what he’s everyone’s favourite fullback.
CB – Branislav Ivanovic & Gary Cahill: The centre back partnership that played last time out will continue on Wednesday night. Many were hopeful that John Terry would return from his injury in time for potentially his last ever Champions league outing at Stamford Bridge. Ivanovic will lead the side out with Cahill at his side, two natural leaders that will be an important factor in any potential victory.
LB – Abdul Baba Rahman: One of our best players last time out, but the Ghanaian has struggled to adapt to the Premier league but seems settled in European competition, he needs to be on top of his game if he wants to keep Lucas quiet.
MidfieldersÂ
CDM – John Obi Mikel & Cesc Fabregas: Two players that have become a huge factor in our success under Hiddink, the midfield duo compliment each other perfectly as Mikel allows Fabregas to get forward and provide an added threat. One thing Hiddink cannot do is play Mikel & Matic together; the pair is too defensive and allows the opposition to have the possession, something we cannot allow.
CAM – Eden Hazard: The Belgian is starting to regain some confidence and his performances have shown that, even though he is still not 100% we can all hope he can put in a magnificent performance against the Parisians and help the side get through to the quarter finals.
Forwards
RW – Betrand Traore: With Pedro injured and Oscar under performing, surely Traore is the man to step up and take centre stage. The Burkina Faso international has come out of nowhere, having scored five in his last six games which is astonishing for a player that Mourinho wanted to play at left-back not so long ago. Chelsea are in need of a goal as quick as possible, so surely Traore deserves to start. If Pedro is declared fit then he will play but until he is 100% fit nothing will change.
CF – Diego Costa: Having been rested at the weekend, Diego Costa will be fired up and ready to go. The Spaniard will cause a lot of havoc for the Parisians defence and hopefully bag himself a goal.
LW – Willian: Despite being a key player throughout Chelsea’s season, the Brazilian seems to be having a dip in form in recent weeks, but still remains an important figure in the team. His set piece prowess may be key with the blues in desperate need for a goal.
