The first leg at Parc des Princes ended in a 1-1 draw, however it will be Chelsea who will have the happier set of fans as their team prepares for the home game with an away goal advantage. The Blues will be buoyed by confidence having already won a trophy this season. They are also cruising in the league and are comfortably at the top of the table.
Jose Mourinho has enjoyed considerable success at Chelsea, but one competition he has not enjoyed much luck in is the Champions League. The Portuguese will thus be very motivated to guide his side to the next round and will be willing to adopt any tactic which is necessary. Even though the match is played at Chelsea's home ground, it will not come as a surprise if the Blues decide to sit back and hit PSG on counters. Here are five ways the Parisiens can prevent that from happening and make it to the next round of the tournament.
Use Pastore
The Argentinean has failed to cement a regular place in the starting lineup but his recent performances especially the one against Lens last time out warrant him a place in the first eleven. The 25 year old was very impressive last time out scoring a wonderful goal and adding an assist to his name.
He was very impressive when coming off the bench for PSG in the first leg and will be useful if used in the second leg as well. The Argentine has the ability to run at players and break between the lines something which will be very useful to his side should Chelsea decide to park the bus.
Win the midfield battle
The midfield battle in the first leg was very intense and it is unlikely that the physicality will drop in the second leg. Both the teams have very strong midfields and it will be interesting to see which one triumphs on Wednesday.
In Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi PSG have two very promising players who performed exceptionally in the first leg. PSG will need a tireless display from both their midfielders once again if they are to get anything out of the match. Apart from making incisive passes which both the players are capable of doing, the duo must ensure that they do not let the Chelsea midfield get in their groove.
Remain vigilant at the back
It is important that PSG do not get carried away and ensure that they do perform their defensive duties well. Any lapse in concentration could verily put the tie beyond them and when you have a defender like David Luiz at the back, chances of that happening are more than the usual.
Jose Mourinho's teams are very strong defensively and are capable of defending for lengthy periods which might result in PSG attacking with more players. However another attribute of this Chelsea team is that they can break really quick at counters with players like Hazard and Willian and PSG must ensure that this does not happen.
Ibra must rise to the occasion
Despite the fact that Ibra is easily among the best players in the world, his record against English sides as well as teams managed by Jose Mourinho has been very poor. The big Swede has managed just three goals against English opposition in 17 games. His record against Jose Mourinho is even worse with Ibra failing to record a goal or an assist against a team managed by the Portuguese.
The former AC Milan man is not short of confidence but needs to step up for his team this time around. He has unquestionable talent and he must ensure that he makes his presence felt this time around.
Important to play with a calm head
It is common practice for individuals as well as the team as a whole to get frustrated when you are attacking for lengthy periods, have all the possession but no end result. PSG might encounter such a situation but it is important that they maintain the belief and play with a calm head.
They must take a lesson from Atletico Madrid's triumph at Stamford Bridge last season. Jose Mourinho fielded six defenders in that match but that did not prevent the Atleti players from working hard and their hard work paid off at the end as they secured a 3-1 win.
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