PSG vs Chelsea: 5 key battles to watch out for
European club football’s grandest event, the UEFA Champions League, takes centre stage this week for it’s first knock-out round with some really titillating fixtures lined-up over the course of the next 7 days.First up is Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea against Ligue 1 champions Paris St. Germain at the Parc de Princes arena in the rematch of last season’s quarter-final clash. Laurent Blanc’s men will definitely be gunning for a revenge for the loss when they entertain the Blues from London at home in the first leg this Tuesday while the latter will attempt a repeat of last year’s feat.Prior to the kick-off, we look at the 5 potential key battles of the intriguing encounter:
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic v John Terry
Arguably, the most important duel of the evening will be between Chelsea's renowned fullback John Terry and PSG hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The towering Swede was effectively boxed up last time the 2 sides tussled in the Parc de Princes arena, before prematurelybeing withdrawn by dintof aknee injury. So naturally, he'll be all guns blazing this time in the wake of exacting the retribution.
Age seems no bar for this talisman, who continues to score goals after goals without slowing down even at33. At 6 ft 3in, Zlatan has a dominant physical presence and is spectacular in the air. Athleticism aside, the Swede also possesses great nimbleness with his feet, discerningtechnical ability, explosive attacking flair and is also adept at firing from the distance. Long story short, Zlatan ticks all the boxes of an efficient striker.
These attributes have helped him accumulate 15 goals in all competitions this season. Now, the Herculean task of nullifying this threat will once again come upon Chelsea skipperJohn Terry. The Blues stalwart has lead one of the meanest defences in Europe this season and his partnership with Gary Cahill has garnered umpteen acclaims over the years. However, he will be facing his toughest test of the season come this Tuesday.
Terry must not only deterhim from winning aerial balls, but also impede his link up play and give him the least possible space, so as to render him ineffective.Indeed, an amazing personal duel to watch out for.