PSG vs Chelsea team news: Thibaut Courtois has beaten Petr Cech to start Champions League clash

Thibaut Courtois set to return to first-team against PSG

Tuesday 17 February 2015 12:17 GMT

Thibaut Courtois warms up before the match with Everton with Petr Cech in the background (Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois has won his battle with veteran keeper Petr Cech and will start Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint Germain tonight, according to the Evening Standard.

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Courtois was surprisingly dropped to the bench by manager Jose Mourinho last week and Cech impressed during a 1-0 victory over Everton.

The Belgium keeper, who was made first choice on his return from a three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid in the summer, had made mistakes in the previous matches against Manchester City and Aston Villa.

PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

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1/11PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

GK: Thibaut Courtois

This isn't even a selection between the PSG and Chelsea goalkeepers - it's a selection between the Chelsea No 1 and No 2. PSG would agree as they have courted both to replace Salvatore Sirigu in recent months. Jose Mourinho has handed the gloves back to the Belgian, who has recovered from a shaky spell last month - Courtois was the reason Chelsea won at Upton Park.

PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

RB: Branislav Ivanovic

The Serbian is the best at his position in the Premier League and one could make a convincing argument that he is the best right-back in world football, although he made some uncharacteristic errors at West Ham. Rarely beaten, he also carries a good attacking threat as a crosser and from set-pieces. Gregory van der Wiel is pretty much a winger playing in defence, he relies way too much on his pace to get him out of trouble - Eden Hazard will be looking forward to facing him again.

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PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

CB: Thiago Silva

The Brazil captain, named to the Uefa Team of the Year, is one of the premier defenders in world football; Brazil would not have lost to Germany 7-1 in the World Cup with him in the side. Gary Cahill has been back to his old spell after being dropped a month ago, but isn't a patch on Silva.

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PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

CB: John Terry

David Luiz may come with the £50million price-tag but Chelsea fans will know his (and John Terry's) true value as a centre-back. This is an easy decision, Luiz may look Hollywood when he blazes about the pitch, but he's not a good defender. Chelsea were laughing all the way to the bank in the summer.

PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

LB: Cesar Azpilicueta

The Spaniard has looked slightly ragged in recent weeks but he remains one of the best full-backs in world football. Maxwell, now 33, is serviceable but will be one of the players Chelsea will look to expose.

PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

CM: Nemanja Matic

Thiago Motta is back from injury but he is a level below the giant Serbian, who returns from suspension after his altercation with Ashley Barnes. Matic has been critical to Chelsea's title and European push this season and Jose Mourinho will expect another big game from him.

PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

CM: Blaise Matuidi

The energetic midfielder is absolutely key for Laurent Blanc's team, tasked with the job of stifling Cesc Fabregas. Matuidi, who drives the team forward, was hugely impressive in Paris and edges in front of Ramires, who could perform a similar job at Stamford Bridge. He will have his work cut out by the Spaniard, however.

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PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

CM: Cesc Fabregas

The Spanish maestro has not been as good as he was earlier in the season with a heavy work load seemingly catching up. But he is better than anything PSG are able to field in the middle. Marco Verratti is an exciting young player but has a long way to go to reach Fabregas' level.

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PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

RW: Javier Pastore

The Argentina winger was unable to start in the first leg as he was carrying a slight injury but he is fit and firing now. PSG have won three and drawn one of their last four since his return, with Pastore scoring once and adding two assists. Willian's energy and work rate is crucial to the way Chelsea play, but he has just eight goals and eight assists since joining the club.

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PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

LW: Eden Hazard

An easy choice and one that both managers would surely agree on. PSG are huge admirers of the Belgian winger and have constantly been linked with him in the last couple of seasons. Edinson Cavani is a hugely talented player but has to play out of position to accommodate Ibrahimovic.

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PSG vs Chelsea - combined XI

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

A tough decision picking the Swede over Diego Costa, who himself has enjoyed a stellar season. In real life neither club would swap their striker for the other, but Zlatan nudges slightly ahead on current form - Costa hasn't scored since 17 January.

Mourinho claimed Courtois was suffering from fatigue and Cech, Chelsea's No1 for the previous decade, looked on course to keep his place for the first leg of their last 16 tie against PSG.

However, it is believed Courtois will be recalled to the first XI to line up against the French champions in the Parc des Princes.

Chelsea do have concerns over midfielder Cesc Fabregas due to flu, while Oscar and Willian are carrying minor knocks, but top scorer Diego Costa is back from suspension.

Cech was excellent against Everton last week (Getty Images)

Mourinho believes Chelsea have improved since scraping past PSG on away goals in last season’s Quarter Final.

Chelsea lost the first leg of that tie 3-1 in Paris last April, but Mourinho insists there will be no repeat and believes they should be talked about at one of the favourites to win the competition alongside holders Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

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