Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain prediction

After their first match, the "Blues" received a significant blow with a 2:5 loss in France. Although the match held steady until the 74th minute, a sudden strike by Vitinha left the English team trailing once more. Over the next 20 minutes, Khvicha bagged a brace, leaving little doubt that the contest was all but decided.

Chelsea's performance statistics from the match look alarmingly poor, especially in the second half. Despite scoring early in the half, they didn’t make much of an impression and were overshadowed by the Parisians with not a single shot on target.

However, there are positives to note—a high pass completion rate of over 80%, winning duels, and consistent interceptions. There are certainly aspects to build on.

Undoubtedly, such a challenging and emotionally as well as physically draining away game took a toll on their preparation for the domestic fixture against Newcastle. The game between two Champions League playoff participants turned out to be a closed and goalless encounter. Yet, a notable high pass percentage was accompanied by 22 attempts at goal, though only 3 were potentially threatening. A single goal was decisive, coming from "The Magpies," leaving Chelsea to continue conceding goals, now in six consecutive matches.

In terms of player news, absent from action compared to the first match due to injury is Reece James, who ranked among the top three based on performance ratings in Paris. Additionally, defender Colwill is out and forward Estevao (2 goals and 2 assists in 19 matches) is questionable.

Luis Enrique’s team heads into the return match brimming with confidence. With a 3-goal cushion, they feel like the favorites, believing they've not only built a formidable lead but also avenged their comprehensive defeat in the Club World Cup final by erasing that very deficit.

Unlike Chelsea, their national federation rescheduled their league match, which helps them maintain momentum and potentially turns the odds in their favor. However, as noted by the local press and various observers, their defense leaves much to be desired and represents a current vulnerability for the reigning Champions League holders. Over the last 1.5 months, they have made costly errors, conceding an average of 2 goals per game, as Monaco demonstrated magnificently with three consecutive matches—allowing 7 goals in 3 games is catastrophically high. Losses to Rennes away, to Strasbourg, and even twice at home to Chelsea underline this.

The Parisians may not seek yet another rout, but keeping a clean sheet in reality seems increasingly unrealistic.

From the injured list are Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ganto.