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Chelsea vs PSG: When is the second leg of the Champions League last-16 clash?

Chelsea have never lost to PSG at Stamford Bridge

Jack de Menezes

Tuesday 16 February 2016 12:49 GMT

David Luiz celebrates his goal for PSG against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Getty Images)

Chelsea travel to France to take on Champions League rivals Paris Saint-Germain for the third consecutive season as the Premier League and Ligue 1 defending champions battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

In what has grown rapidly into a fierce European rivalry, the two clubs will meet for the fifth time in the space of two years when they meet at the Parc des Princes tonight.

With Chelsea struggling in the Premier League and the top four looking well beyond them, the Champions League poses the only likely way of qualifying for next season’s competition, with a Europa League spot looking a possibility through domestic qualification if interim manager Guus Hiddink can continue to improve the side he inherited from Jose Mourinho.

History suggests that Chelsea will find their trip to Paris rather difficult, having drawn 1-1 last season in the French capital and suffering a 3-1 defeat the year before – though a crucial away goal in 2014 ensured their progression to the semi-finals thanks to a 2-0 home victory in the second leg.

It’s for this reason that Chelsea fans could well be looking forward more to the home leg, given they have never lost to the Parisian side in their three previous meetings at Stamford Bridge, having won once and drawn the other two.

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

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1/11PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)

Remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world despite Chelsea’s struggles this season, and gives the Blues some hope of stopping PSG’s highly talented attack at the Parc des Princes. Keeps the solid Salvatore Sirigu out of the side…just.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Likely to start in his natural right-back role due to John Terry’s absence meaning Branislav Ivanovic is needed for centre-back duty. The Spaniard has been Chelsea’s best defender this season, albeit in a makeshift left-back role, and he can be relied on to try and resist the PSG attack. Serge Aurier’s indefinite suspension for homophobic comments aimed at PSG manager Laurent Blanc makes it a simple decision to make.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Thiago Silva (PSG)

The Brazil defender not only commands the back-line for PSG and keeps his team-mates in check, but also poses a serious threat from set-pieces as Chelsea have discovered in the past. A shoe-in for most teams in the Champions League.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Marquinhos (PSG)

The rapidly improving centre-back is a possible transfer target for Chelsea if reports are to be believed, but he could be forced to be played out of position tonight to cover the suspended Aurier. That said, he is an outstanding centre-back who would boost Chelsea’s back line no end should he be plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Maxwell (PSG)

Perhaps the forgotten figure at PSG that has become one of the most dependable players in recent years. Does a lot of the hard work down the left flank and offers his team-mates an easy out-ball, a trade he clearly learnt at Barcelona given their attractive passing style. Can pose Chelsea problems with his crossing ability, too.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Blaise Matuidi (PSG)

Voted the best player in France last year and rightly so. The central midfielder is capable of protecting the back-four when needed, but has shown a talent for sending pin-point passes forward for those ahead of him to attack. A reliable tackler when play breaks down who possesses the creative talent to unlock the sternest of defences, he could prove to be the key player against Chelsea.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Thiago Motta (PSG)

The midfielder who holds back when the rest of the team are surging forward. Motta would offer an extra line of defence that negates part of the counter-attack tactics regularly depoloyed against PSG in Ligue 1, and he is a mainstay in the midfield under Laurent Blanc, despite lacking the eye-catching skill that some of his team-mates possess.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Willian (Chelsea)

The Blues’ best player of the season by some way waltzes into the combined XI after single-handedly keeping Chelsea out of the relegation zone earlier in the campaign. The Brazil midfielder has proven to be devastating down the right flank and a natural threat from free-kicks, but he is not afraid to roam across the pitch and showed as much with his goal on the left against Newcastle on Saturday.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

Enjoying a return to form under Guus Hiddink, although the less said about his form under Jose Mourinho this season the better. Expected to be deployed in a more advanced role tonight to allow Chelsea to deploy two defensive-minded midfielders, which will allow Fabregas to surge forward and try to link up with striker Diego Costa.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Angel Di Maria (PSG)

Has gone about putting last season’s disappointment at Manchester United behind him with a strong start to life in Paris, scoring nine goals in Ligue 1 and three more in Europe. His link-up play with Zlatan Ibrahimovic – especially on the break -0 has been a joy to watch so far this season.

2016 Getty Images

PSG vs Chelsea combined XI

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)

A return to form this season after last year’s lull has seen the 34-year-old remind Europe why he is regarded as one of the most dangerous striker’s in football. Has already notched 21 league goals this season and two more in the Champions League, with an incredible six goals coming in his four outings and a record on nine goals in his last eight matches.

2016 Getty Images

So when is the second leg?

Chelsea host PSG in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Wednesday 9 March with a 7.45pm kick-off.

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