Baba Rahman Vrs Angel Di Maria among three key battles for Chelsea against PSG

Published on: 16 February 2016
Baba Rahman Vrs Angel Di Maria among three key battles for Chelsea against PSG
Ghana defender Baba Abdul Rahman

Chelsea have travelled to the French capital hoping to rescue their dismal campaign by overcoming last season's conquerors Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League last 16.

The Blues have endured the worst title defence in Premier League history but are unbeaten under interim manager Guus Hiddink - whose last taste of Europe's elite competition came seven years ago in their now infamous semi-final defeat to Barcelona.

Chelsea have travelled to the French capital to avenge last season's Champions League defeat by PSG

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Chelsea have travelled to the French capital to avenge last season's Champions League defeat by PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) makes some of his team-mates laugh ahead of the clash at the Parc de Princes

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) makes some of his team-mates laugh ahead of the clash at the Parc de Princes

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC vs BRANISLAV IVANOVIC

Two warhorses with Balkan blood, rarely accused of lacking passion, and perhaps more fired up than ever.

Ivanovic will lead out Chelsea in John Terry’s absence, having overcome his awful early-season form and signed a new contract.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never won the Champios League

+Branislav Ivanovic will play in central defence

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Branislav Ivanovic (right) must prevent  Zlatan Ibrahimovic from collecting the only trophy that has eluded him

Ibrahimovic, out of contract at the end of the season, is still searching for glory in the Champions League, the one competition to elude him.

The Swedish icon has spent a year stewing on his dismissal at Stamford Bridge for a foul on Oscar, when he branded Chelsea players ‘cry babies’. And his anger is freshly fuelled by the casual insults from Serge Aurier via Periscope.

THIAGO SILVA vs DIEGO COSTA

Costa is finally back close to his menacing best, and much Chelsea hope rests on his ability to a) stay on the pitch and not be drawn into any sideshows, and b) continue in the goal groove which has brought him eight in his last 10 games.

Thiago Silva scored the goal that eliminated Chelsea last term

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Diego Silva has resdiscovered his form

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Diego Costa (right) has rediscovered his form ahead of facing Thiago Silva -  the world's best defender

Thiago Silva, Brazilian centre half and PSG captain, rated by many as the best defender in the world, will be the man tasked with organising a defensive unit to keep a clean sheet.

The last two ties between these teams have been decided on away goals. Chelsea could do with one at the Parc des Princes.

ANGEL DI MARIA vs BABA RAHMAN

The key consequence of injuries to John Terry and Kurt Zouma is that Guus Hiddink is left with little option but to trust Baba Rahman to shackle Angel di Maria.

Baba has barely played since signing from Augsburg, while Di Maria has been rejuvenated since leaving Manchester United for the French capital.

Angel di Maria has been back to his best in France

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Baba Rahman faces a challenge containing the Argentine

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Baba Rahman has been drafted in because of injuries, which could play into Angel di Maria's feet

For the 21-year-old Ghana international it will be the biggest test of his Chelsea career — a game of high intensity and high stakes against a world-class winger.

He does have the athletic ability required and pace is perhaps his key asset. He can keep track of Di Maria, but the real examination is whether he has the mental strength to focus on the movement and interplay of a team brimming with confidence.

CHELSEA vs PSG PREVIOUS MEETINGS

2015 PSG 1 Chelsea 1

Chelsea 2 PSG 2 (After extra-time)

Thiago Silva’s goal six minutes from the end of extra time took ten-man PSG through on away goals. Chelsea led twice after Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off with just half an hour played, but a late David Luiz goal levelled Gary Cahill’s strike.

Silva celebrates his extra-time goal that eliminated Chelsea at the same stage last season

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Silva celebrates his extra-time goal that eliminated Chelsea at the same stage last season

2014 PSG 3 Chelsea 1

Chelsea 2 PSG 0

Eden Hazard’s penalty in a first leg mauling at the Parc des Princes proved pivotal. Andre Schurrle scored after 32 minutes of the home leg, but on a nerve-racking night it was 87 minutes before Demba Ba sent Chelsea through.

2004 PSG 0 Chelsea 3

Chelsea 0 PSG 0

Jose Mourinho’s first season saw Chelsea waltz their group games in which PSG finished bottom. John Terry opened the scoring and Didier Drogba struck twice in Paris — when the teams met again Chelsea were already guaranteed to be top and played a weakened team.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

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