PSG vs Chelsea - Champions League Focus

Article by Russell Cane

Monday's Champions League last 16 draw in Nyon, Switzerland saw Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea as the first two clubs drawn. This will be the second successive match-up between the two teams after last season's epic quarter-final battle.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho singled out Paris before the draw as his preferred opponent. Mourinho wanted his players motivated by facing a good team early on and also noted that the travel arrangements would benefit the fans if they drew the French club.

Improvements have been made to both likely, starting line-ups compared to last season. Chelsea have added the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Felipe Luis and Diego Costa from last season's Champions League finalists, Atletico Madrid as well as Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. Paris have added ex-Chelsea defender David Luiz to their squad, however more importantly, PSG hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed last seasons Quarter-final games through injury, is sure to feature against his old friend Mourinho.

Opta powered fantasy football game www.oulala.com have compared the performances of both sides in this seasons Champions League group stages and it is Chelsea that come out on top. As the group stages overall top scorers with 17 goals including a 0-5 away win in Schalke and a 6-0 victory at home to Maribor, the Blues scored more goals in two matches than the French outfit managed in all six of their games.

Chelsea were also very tidy in defence only conceding three goals in their six group matches. Only Real Madrid (2) and Monaco (1) conceded fewer. Paris however shipped seven goals, five of those came in their two matches against Spanish giants Barcelona.

Paris hold a slightly better pass completion rate by 2%, however, Chelsea dominate with a 4% swing in possession and narrowly edge total passes made. The Blues attacking and creativity does not stop at goals scored. They also lead Paris for chances created, shots and shot accuracy.

The two clubs will approach the games in very different ways. Chelsea hold the psychological advantage after their narrow victory last season while PSG sporting Director Olivier Letang has spoken of the club's hope to gain revenge on Chelsea after the London club knocked them out of last years competition.

Chelsea travel to PSG for the first leg on 17th February, with the return leg at Stamford Bridge on 11th March.