(Very) serious things are starting for PSG. Two weeks after defeating Monaco in the play-offs, the Parisians are preparing to face Chelsea in the round of 16 of the Champions League. A first round which will be played at the Parc des Princes.
And for this great reunion, eight months after the slap inflicted by the Blues in the final of the Club World Cup, the title holders will be able to count on all their best players except Fabian Ruiz, still in the recovery phase. Ousmane Dembélé, who returned from injury on Friday during the defeat against Monaco, will however be present and should start the match.
The last Ballon d’Or should indeed be aligned at the forefront of the Parisian attack while Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will occupy the corridors. DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ© is expected to start on the bench.
Malo Gusto on the bench?
In midfield, in the absence of the Spanish regulator, Warren Zaire-Emery, despite his disastrous performance against the Principality club, should be started alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves. Finally at the back, in front of Matvey Safonov, the European champions should be able to rely on their typical defense with Pacho and Marquinhos in the hinge and Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the sides.
For the Blues, the attack will look good with Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto. In defense, if Wesley Fofana is expected to start in the middle, Malo Gusto could be a replacement, Liam Rosenior preferring Reece James.
Paris SG: Safonov – Hakimi, Marquinhos (c), Pacho, Nuno Mendes – Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, João Neves – Barcola, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
Chelsea: Sanchez – James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella – Andrey Santos, Caicedo – Palmer, Enzo Fernandez (c), Pedro Neto – João Pedro.
