EL POCHO Lavezzi knows how it feels to be taken apart by Chelsea. The PSG forward was part of the Napoli side that were at the wrong end of a brave comeback by the pensioners after going down 3-1 in Naples. Now, he is more than determined to make amends and tomorrow is the best chance he might ever have. A repeat of the fantastic display he put in last week and the French Champions-elect are in the semis. Not even the absence of ZLATAN will deter the much improved and very ambitious french outfit as they aim to go further in the competition. With the Swede, they glided past a helpless Reims side at the weekend courtesy of goals from Edinson Cavani and two own goals from Reims defender, Aissa Mandi
Jose Mourinho has affirmed that it is 'nearly impossible' to qualify after Javier Pastore's injury time goal put a dagger through the hearts of the Chelsea faithful. But the message to his troops will be very clear. Score two goals and concede none, we are through. But it is going to be very difficult if not herculean to prevent PSG from scoring at least a goal.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
CHELSEA:
Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Lampard, Oscar, Hazard, Wllian, Eto'o
PSG:
Sirigu, VDW, Silva, Alex, Maxwell, Motta-Verratti-Matuidi, Moura, Lavezzi, Cavani
Jose Mourinho has a clear plan on how he wants to see off the French League leaders on Tuesday night. The Portuguese manager almost clawed back a 4-1 deficit v Dortmund last season , so he is no stranger to these kind of situations. However, the 'striker-less' West London club may have to risk Samuel Eto'o for the game. The Cameroonian marksman has enough in his tank to shoot down PSG but he is now a shadow of his former self. Fernando Torres has lost it totally. No one can place a finger on what really happened to the once prolific attacker. The Spaniard is done. The blues will miss the services of Ramires, Matic and Salah. The former suspended and the other two cup-tied. In their absences, Mikel and Lampard have to do the job in the middle and David Luiz may also be required to come in and help out. Mourinho will rue the absence of Matic especially because it is in midfield that the french team possess their biggest weapons.
Paris St Germain can look back on their performances so far with pride and gusto and approach this game with all the confidence in the World. They have every reason to go to the Bridge on Tuesday and seek a result that will take them to the last four of the Champions League. Laurent Blanc can secure his place in the annals of the French club's not so rich history if he qualifies them eventually. The club cannot call on the goals, assists and all round display of LE IBRA but the likes of Lucas Moura, Javier Pastore and Jeremy Menez can provide the spark. They are not quite as efficient as Ibra but they are just as effective. Brazilian wonderkid, Lucas Moura has pace to burn. His skills set cannot be treated with kid gloves. His introduction last time unsettled the Chelsea defence and it ilikely that he will be thrown into the fray from the start. Ivanovic and Azpi have to be helped by Hazard and Willian/Oscar or all hopes will be thrown into the trash can. Edinson Cavani has to shoulder the responsibility of scoring the goals needed to send Chelsea packing, He was also part of the Napoli side who thought they had qualified until their bubble was burst and their hopes dashed by Didier Drogba and company. He has an axe to grind with Chelsea. Greg Van der Wiel is back to occupy the right back slot at the expense of Christophe Jallet who admittedly, did little wrong at the PdP. The All Brazilian central defensive partnership will be joined by another Brazilian at left back. Surely a complete team. Matuidi-Motta and Verratti are keeping the likes of Rabiot and Cabaye on the bench. This is not what the latter signed for when he was leaving England but he must have been aware of how arduous it is to break through the MAT-MARCO-MOTTA wall. They are currently among the very best midfield trio in all of football.
Laurent Blanc and Jose Mourinho go head to head again in a battle of tactical supremacy. Fair to say that the Frenchman won the battle last week. Mourinho hates being at the losers' corner. The 'ONLY ONE' will be pleased to take out PSG in a very special night at Stamford Bridge. In the light of recent developments, the blue face an uphill battle to retrieve the deficit. Even Eden Hazard could collapse under this sort of pressure. Chelsea need more than all the talents of WILZARCAR to triumph on Tuesday night. Stamford Bridge must be rocking.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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