Chelsea FC are coming on the back of a fabulous 5-1 win over Newcastle United in the weekend but have made a couple of changes to their starting XI for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie against PSG.
As expected, left back Baba Rahman has been given a start in place of injured captain John Terry, who hobbled off with a hamstring injury against Newcastle. In another change, John Obi Mikel finds himself partnering Cesc Fabregas in the midfield in a pivoting role as Nemanja Matic is suspended for this match. Branislav Ivanovic takes the captain’s armband for the Blues in the absence of John Terry.
Chelsea FC team: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic (c), Baba Rahman; Fabregas, Mikel; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa. #PSGCHE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 16, 2016
Chelsea subs: Begovic, Miazga, Loftus-Cheek, Oscar, Kenedy, Traore, Remy. #PSGCHE — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 16, 2016
Meanwhile, PSG manager Laurent Blanc has made six changes from the XI that drew 0-0 against Lille on Saturday. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, defenders David Luiz and Marquinhos, midfielder Blaise Matuidi, and forward Angel Di Maria are the only players who retain their place in the starting XI. Marquinhos of course, shifts to the right fullback position, making way for captain Thiago Silva at centreback.
PSG Starting XI vs. Chelsea confirmed !! #PSGCHE #TheNewClassic pic.twitter.com/sewjyfpIWG
— PSG English (@PSG_English) February 16, 2016
PSG subs: Sirigu, Van Der Wiel, Kurzawa, Rabiot, Stambouli, Pastore, Cavani. #PSGCHE — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 16, 2016
