PSG v Chelsea – Spotlight on the Blues: intensity and danger | OneFootball

This Wednesday, March 11, Paris Saint-Germain (1st in Ligue 1) faces Chelsea (5th in the Premier League) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9pm, broadcast on Canal+) in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 (return leg on March 17) for the 2025-2026 season. And as before every match, here is a presentation of PSG’s opponent.

Chelsea’s Situation –

Founded in 1905, Chelsea has experienced ups and downs, including significant investments in the 2000s and major titles (Premier League in 2005, 2006, and 2010, as well as the Champions League in 2012). There were then some troubled times, followed by a strong comeback marked by the Champions League win in 2021, with the Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017 along the way (notably).

Since then, with the club’s purchase by Todd Boehly to replace Roman Abramovich, the Blues have been particularly inconsistent despite heavy spending in the transfer market. The accumulation of players at Chelsea has even become a running joke in football.

After a period without trophies since 2021, Chelsea won a title again in the 2024-2025 season: the Europa Conference League (hard to call it a major title), won against Real Betis (4-1). Then, the Blues managed to win the Club World Cup last summer, with the final against PSG (3-0).

However, that was not enough to bring stability. The transfer market was once again marked by numerous moves, and Enzo Maresca failed to find consistency in matches. This ultimately cost him his job, and Liam Rosenior arrived from Strasbourg last January 10. The results have been rather good, even if inconsistency remains.

Summer Transfer Window 2025 –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026 –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

Main Statistics –

This season, Chelsea has the 3rd best attack in the Premier League with 53 goals scored (the top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, have 59, and the last, Wolverhampton, has 22), and is among the 4th best defenses with 34 goals conceded (Arsenal has the best defense with 22 goals conceded, the last, Burnley, has 58).

The top scorer for the Blues is João Pedro (24-year-old striker), with 14 goals, ranking 4th in the league (the Premier League’s top scorer is Erling Haaland with 22 goals). Pedro is also the club’s top assist provider with 5 assists, and he ranks among the top 7 in the Premier League (Bruno Fernandes is first with 14 assists).

Chelsea’s Last 5 Matches –

Only Chelsea’s possession is indicated, and their shots are listed first (when data is available).

13/02/2026 (FA Cup) – Hull City/Chelsea: 0-4. In 4-2-3-1. 78% possession. 13 shots, 8 on target, versus 4 shots (2 on target)

21/02/2026 (Premier League) – Chelsea (down to 10 men in the 72nd minute, 1-0)/Burnley: 1-1. In 4-2-3-1. 67% possession. 12 shots, 2 on target, versus 9 shots (4 on target).

01/03/2026 (Premier League) – Arsenal/Chelsea (down to 10 men in the 70th minute, 2-1): 2-1. In 4-2-3-1. 58% possession. 7 shots, 2 on target, versus 10 shots (5 on target).

04/03/2026 (Premier League) – Aston Villa/Chelsea: 1-4. In 4-2-3-1. 59% possession. 17 shots, 9 on target, versus 8 shots (4 on target).

07/03/2026 (FA Cup) – Wrexham (down to 10 men at 90+3, 2-2)/Chelsea: 2-4 after extra time (2-2). In 3-4-2-1. 69% possession. 19 shots, 7 on target, versus 17 shots (6 on target).

The Squad:

Unavailable – Levi Colwill (returning) and Estêvão (injury).

Probable Line-up in 4-3-3.

Neto – Pedro – Palmer

Caicedo – Enzo Fernandez – James

Cucurella – Chalobah – Fofana – Gusto

Jorgensen

Chelsea’s Playing Style.

As at Strasbourg, and continuing Maresca’s philosophy (even if there have been changes), Rosenior has implemented an attacking style of play at Chelsea. There is a desire to keep possession, string together passes, and control the tempo to create chances. All while being aggressive without the ball, imposing an athletic challenge with this squad. Beware of excess, as red cards occur relatively often.

For PSG, the mission will be clear: play quickly to escape duels, while also being ready to contest them with maximum determination. And always stay alert for a quick attack launched by Chelsea upon recovering the ball.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.