Is PSG still scary in Europe? We will have the answer this Wednesday evening against Chelsea, for a round of 16 which promises to be particularly indecisive. Undecided because it is difficult to anticipate the face displayed by the two teams, capable of the best and the worst from one match to the next. PSG have already lost 4 matches in 2026 and seem to be chasing their physical and mental form from last season. But the confidence garnered by last year’s sublime journey can remedy the deficiencies seen in recent weeks.
In any case, we will have to put in a great match, individually and collectively. In goal, Safonov will have to shine like Donnarumma did. The defense is the same, but Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho and Nuno Mendes will have to put on the warm-up blue and find the impact, intensity and depth necessary to lock down the Blues. In the middle of the field, the questioner is called João Neves, back in training yesterday. He is announced as a starter, alongside Vitinha and Zaire-Emery.
The Ousmane Dembélé case
In attack, it is a Barcola-Dembélé-Kvaratskhelia trio which is taking shape, with the question, permanent this season, about the physical state of Dembélé, so important last season. Désiré Doué will be ready to take over from one of the three in the event of a physical problem. On the Chelsea side, Liam Rosenior should maintain his confidence in Robert Sanchez, who returned to goal in the FA Cup against Wrexham after giving way to Jorgensen against Aston Villa.
Reece James also returns, and could start on the right side in place of Malo Gusto, to accompany the Frenchman Fofana and Chalobah in defense, with Cucurella on the left flank. In the middle, Caicedo and Andrey Santos would be associated with recovery, with Enzo Fernandez a notch more as is regularly the case this season. On the wings, Cole Palmer, who is returning to his best form, and Neto should start, to feed João Pedro, who is tormenting many defenders at the moment. Let the show begin!
Thrill to the PSG – CHELSEA clash on CANAL+! Click here to subscribe and access the matches.
