UEFA Champions League: PSG vs Chelsea - 5 major factors that will decide the tie

Modified Dec 16, 2014 15:13 GMT

Chelsea played without Matic and lost their first match of the season against Newcastle

The Champions League draw was conducted this week and with the ties having been announced, one of the most intriguing contests is the one between Chelsea and Paris St. Germain. The two sides faced each other last time in the quarter finals, where Chelsea overcame PSG at Stamford Bridge on away goals after PSG had managed to win 3-1 at home.As the sides prepare for the showdown in February, both sides would be aware that the task of moving to the next round would not be easy.We take a look at 5 major factors that can swing the tie to either side:

#1 Form & Fatigue

While PSG has just lost two games all season, Chelsea has only lost once. Both sides will be keen to keep this impressive form going but with the busy Christmas period and the whole month of January to come, either team will be hoping that they are not rocked by injuries and fatigue.

The sides currently have all their players in good shape, but it would be tricky to navigate through the busy period without causalities, with PSG playing 8 matches and Chelsea playing as many as 11 matches in the period.

Given that Chelsea lost their first game of the season in the only match Nemanja Matic failed to appear it is easy to say that missing out on such key players could considerably affect the fate of either side- a factor both Jose Mourinho and Laurent Blanc would be extremely careful off.

#2 January Transfer Window

Pogba & Strootman have both emerged as surprise targets for Chelsea in January

An advantage Chelsea has over PSG is the January transfer window. Already looking a balanced side, Chelsea would have the opportunity to get any necessary reinforcements especially a backup to Matic in centre-midfield, the only area Chelsea do not have an equally good replacement.

On the other hand, PSG will be haunted by the Financial Fair Play rules once again having spent yet another chunky sum on David Luiz in the summer and will have to therefore curb their lavishness this time. To make matters worse, players like Yohan Cabaye and Adrien Rabiot are suspected to be looking for a way out and the departures of these players can unsettle the team composition further.

#3 The 2nd Leg Advantage

Demba Ba scored Chelsea’s winner against PSG at Stamford Bridge last season

Last time the two sides faced each other PSG looked set to go through after their 3-1 victory at home in the first leg but it was not to be as Chelsea managed to win by a 2-0 margin in the return leg and send the Parisians back home.

This time too, the first leg is scheduled to be held in France and this would leave PSG a bit wary. Chelsea has an incredible record at home under Jose Mourinho and Laurent Blanc and his men would have definitely preferred to have the away match out of the way first and then go on the attack at the Parc De Princes. As of now, it is advantage Chelsea with the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

#4 David Luiz\'s Performance

David Luiz was widely expected to be one of Chelsea’s main men when Jose Mourinho returned last season but surprisingly the Brazilian was never part of the gaffer’s plans. After a 50 million pounds move to PSG in the summer, Luiz now returns to face his former side with a point to prove.

Luiz has put up a string of praiseworthy performances for the French champions, but the hefty price tag on him has meant a lot more is expected of him; and there is no better scenario to prove his worth. If Luiz can bring out his best, PSG are in with a big chance of upsetting The Special One and his side. On the other hand, if he disappoints like he often does, then PSG will have trouble tying up a free-scoring Chelsea side.

#5 Ibrahimovic\'s Availability

Currently, there are very few footballers as special as Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The man who is popular for the number of goals he scores as much as he is for the way he scores them, Ibra is a threat for opposition defenders any given day. Even at the age of 33, he has not lost the ability to create a goal scoring chance from absolutely nothing and that is exactly why he has kept a world-class striker like Cavani still under his shadows.

Unfortunately, Ibrahimovic suffered a heel injury in September and even though he has returned to action, the physios expect it to remain an issue throughout the season. Blanc would be extremely cautious with his star striker and sincerely hope that he would remain fit for key clashes like the encounter with Chelsea. Just for the records, Ibrahimovic started for PSG in their 3-1 victory over Chelsea last season but was injured for the return leg which they did lose. That is simply how important he will be for PSG in the do-or-die tie.

Edited by Staff Editor