The Champions League draw will provide Chelsea fans with their next opponents in the Round of 16, and Alan Shearer has had his say on whether he would like his beloved Newcastle to face the Blues.
Chelsea will either be drawn against Newcastle or PSG, after they took care of Qarabag and Monaco respectively in their play-offs.
The Blues have actually beaten PSG more recently than the Premier League side, who scored nine goals across their tie.
Newcastle, PSG, Qarabag or Monaco – who are YOU picking? 👀
Chelsea's possible last 16 opponents…
The four teams Chelsea could face in the last 16
Alan Shearer would rather Newcastle play Chelsea than Barcelona in the Champions League
Newcastle legend Shearer was asked on ‘The Rest is Football’ which of Chelsea or Barcelona he would rather his side face in the competition.
He said: “I think because of probably slightly better chance of going through against Chelsea than maybe Barcelona. Although Barcelona’s high line might suit the pace of Newcastle up front. But I think realistically, chance wise, Chelsea.”
SSC Napoli v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea laid the blueprint for how to beat Barcelona in the group stages. They did not name a recognised striker but still secured a comfortable 3-0 win.
The Blues endured an up-and-down group stage campaign however won both crucial games under Liam Rosenior, including away from home against Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
A finish in the top-eight will leave some fans thinking that they should be entitled to an easier first knockout opponent, but the new format of the Champions League continues to provide these showcase ties at early stages.
What crazy tactic do you see Liam Rosenior using next? 👀
Wesley Fofana and Liam Rosenior
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Rosenior looking to replicate Thomas Tuchel and Roberto Di Matteo magic
In the two seasons where Chelsea have won the Champions League, they changed manager halfway through the campaign to turn around their season.
Roberto Di Matteo took over from Andre Villas-Boas, while Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in charge on the way to the two greatest nights in this club’s history.
Rosenior is hoping to achieve this in his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, a feat which would surely win over even his biggest critics.
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