It is clear that Chelsea will have a mountain to climb if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Up against a rampant Paris Saint-Germain and tasked with the job of overturning a 3-1 deficit from the first-leg, not many are giving the Blues much of a chance against Laurent Blanc’s all-conquering side.
However, if any manager is capable of pulling the rabbit out of the hat in the Champions League, it is Jose Mourinho. Although the Portuguese manager has said that it will be ‘impossible’ for his side to progress into the next round of the competition to the media, one can be sure that the 51-year old would have made every member of his side believe that overturning the deficit is certainly within the realms of possibility.
Probable Chelsea Lineup vs PSG-
Goalkeeper
Petr Cech could do little to prevent his goal being breached three times during the first-leg but the Czech international will now certainly have to produce a sterling performance in order to keep the talented PSG attack at bay on Tuesday night.
Defence
The solid Chelsea defence consisting of Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic were uncharacteristically poor in Paris but Mourinho is unlikely to make any changes to his back-four which has served him so well throughout the season.
That being said, the Portuguese manager will certainly demand a better display from his defence as Chelsea can ill-afford to concede even a single goal. The likes of Ashley Cole, Nathan Ake and Tomas Kalas will most likely be named on the bench.
Midfield
Mourinho has a couple of problems to contend with in midfield as he will have to do without the services of Ramires for the return leg as he is suspended for the clash while Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah remain unavailable as they are cup tied.
With his options limited, David Luiz looks set to start in midfield once again while Frank Lampard looks likely to come-in for Ramires. Oscar will take his place as the playmaker, with the magnificent duo of Eden Hazard and Willian starting on the wings and the duo will certainly need to continue their great run of form if Chelsea are to stand a chance. John Obi Mikel and Andre Schürrle should also be in contention but look unlikely to start.
Attack
Andre Schürrle was elected to start in attack by Mourinho during the first leg but after the German international’s ineffective display, he will probably drop to the bench in favour of an out-and-out striker.
Fernando Torres looks the most likely candidate to start but with Chelsea in dire need of goals and the Spaniard looking out of sort, Mourinho has indicated he will be ready to risk Samuel Eto’o for the clash after the striker recently returned to training earlier than anticipated from his hamstring injury.
(4-2-3-1)
Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Ivanovic; Hazard, Luiz, Lampard, Oscar, Willian; Eto’o
