Chelsea are preparing for arguably their biggest game under Liam Rosenior as the Blues go to Paris to face PSG on Wednesday night, fresh after Denis Zakaria helped Monaco beat them 3-1.
It is now 10 wins in 15 games as Chelsea manager for Rosenior, as the English gaffer made nine changes to his side to face Wrexham on Saturday night and still managed to guide the Blues to an extra-time win.
While Chelsea got a bit of luck against the Championship side, they will need that and more if they are to get a result in Paris on Wednesday night. PSG are firm favourites to secure a positive result in the first leg.
Chelsea have a real chance of beating PSG 👊
Ruiz is missing, Neves might be…
But PSG do come into the game under a cloud. Nuno Mendes has refuted claims that PSG’s squad is suffering with fatigue, but the French giants could be without midfielders Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz.
Denis Zakaria asked for the secret to beating PSG
It is almost four years since Chelsea completed the loan signing of Denis Zakaria from Juventus. The 61-time Switzerland international would only manage to play 11 times for Chelsea during the 22-23 season.
But since then, he has enjoyed a new lease of life at Monaco and in recent weeks, has been playing in the middle of a back three. He did so against PSG, playing a key role in Monaco’s shock 3-1 victory.
Denis Zakaria in action for Chelsea.
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Speaking to reporters after the game, Zakaria was asked how Monaco and new manager Sebastian Pocognoli had managed to get the better of Luis Enrique and PSG in their own backyard on Friday night.
Asked if there is a secret to beating the French champions, Zakaria said: “No, we’re not going to say that. Anyone can beat anyone. Tonight, we were on fire. That’s how you can beat PSG.”
Where can Chelsea get the better of PSG on Wednesday?
Frank Leboeuf has identified the main area where PSG will be worried come Wednesday night, and it is in the middle of the park. With PSG missing Ruiz and possibly Neves, Chelsea can take full advantage.
What do you think will happen in this tie? 💭
Chelsea vs PSG record
Photo by Visionhaus
Dembele’s fitness is also a big plus for Chelsea, with the French superstar returning from a recent injury on Friday but only managing to come on as a substitute. Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue are in form.
But it will all be about keeping PSG under control, with Enrique’s men likely to enjoy the lion’s share of possession on the night. Then, it is about threatening Enrique’s back line with an effective counter.
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