Chelsea v PSG – Blues preview: intensity key for comeback hopes | OneFootball

This Tuesday, March 17, Paris Saint-Germain faces Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off at 9 PM, broadcast on Canal+) in the second leg of the Champions League 2025-2026 round of 16 (PSG won the first leg 5-2). As before every match, here is the presentation of the Parisians' 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 some troubles afterward, followed by a strong comeback marked by winning the Champions League in 2021, with Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017 along the way (notably).

Since then, with the club's acquisition by Todd Boehly to replace Roman Abramovich, the Blues have been particularly inconsistent despite heavy spending during the transfer window. The accumulation of players at Chelsea is even a subject of jokes in football.

After a period of trophyless seasons since 2021, Chelsea won a title again in the 2024-2025 season: the UEFA Europa Conference League (hard to call it a major title) won against Betis Sevilla (4-1). Then, the Blues managed to win the Club World Cup last summer, with the final against PSG (3-0).

However, this was not enough to bring stability. The transfer window was again marked by numerous movements, and Enzo Maresca failed to find consistency in the matches. This eventually cost him his position, and Liam Rosenior arrived from Strasbourg on January 10. The results are quite good, although there is still some inconsistency.

The Summer Transfer Window 2025 –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

The Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026 –

Source: Transfermarkt.

Departures:

Arrivals:

Main Statistics –

This season, Chelsea has the 4th best attack in the Premier League with 53 goals scored (the first, Arsenal, has 61, and the last, Wolverhampton, has 22), and is among the 3rd best defenses with 35 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 he is 4th in the league (the top scorer in the Premier League is Erling Haaland with 22 goals). Pedro is also the club's top assist provider with 5 assists and is among the top 8 in the Premier League (Bruno Fernandes is first with 16 assists).

Chelsea's Last 5 Matches –

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

02/21/2026 (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 with 2 on target against 9 shots (4 on target).

03/01/2026 (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 with 2 on target against 10 shots (5 on target).

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

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

03/14/2026 (Premier League) – Chelsea/Newcastle: 0-1. In 4-2-3-1. 67% possession. 21 shots with 3 on target against 6 shots (4 on target)

The Probable Team in 4-2-3-1.

Pedro

Neto – Fernandez – Palmer

Caicedo – Lavia

Cucurella – Chalobah – Fofana – Gusto

Sanchez

Chelsea's Style of Play.

As in Strasbourg, and following Maresca's idea (even though there are changes), Rosenior implements an offensive game at Chelsea. There is a desire to have possession, string passes together, and control the pace to create opportunities. All this while being aggressive without the ball, imposing an athletic challenge with this squad. This was evident in the first leg, with some pressing and quick transitions that could hurt.

For PSG, the mission will be clear: play quickly to get out of duels, while being ready to contest them with maximum determination. And always be attentive to a quick attack launched by Chelsea when recovering the ball. The first leg gives Paris an advantage, but the Blues will give everything to turn the situation around.

Beware of Chelsea's excessive intensity, with red cards occurring relatively often. There will also be the risk of leaving spaces for PSG.

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