The phrase "it’s never over until the fat lady sings" is
possibly never more true than in football and the first leg between Chelsea and
PSG, which was so finely balance for the majority of the game, was turned on
it’s head with Javier Pastore’s last minute goal to give the Parisians a vital
2 goal lead ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge tonight.
And as much as they would have fancied their chances of
going through beforehand, previous evidence would suggest they need it. Chelsea
have been beaten just once in their last 17 games, having won 14 of those
games, and have won seven of the 12 UEFA competition
ties in which they have had a first-leg deficit to retrieve at Stamford Bridge.
The most famous of those – as we’ve all been reminded of – was their Napoli
turnaround, where a 3-1 defeat in Naples was equalled and then bettered in
extra time on their way to their European Cup triumph. However there are significant
differences between the task facing them 2 years ago and tonight.
Napoli, a
side that still has serious issue travelling in Europe to this day, for all
their attacking strength, were always hugely vulnerable thanks to their lack to
defensive shape and Walter Mazzari’s decision to play just three at the back
proved to be an empathic failure from start to finish with only Hugo Campangro
as a centreback of real recognised quality against an energetic and pacey
Chelsea midfield ended in complete failure.
Laurent Blanc’s side come with two of
Europe’s most inform centrebacks in Thiago Silva and Marquinihos – or former
Stamford Bridge bastion Alex should Laurent Blanc so choose - backed by
Salvatore Sirigu in goal, and they present a serious goal threat going forward
even with Zlatan Ibrahimovic out as Edison Cavani should prosper returned to
his natural position as No.9 upfront to provide a potent threat upfront.
A midfield of Cabaye, Motta, Matuidi
and Moura has provided both force and creativity and will be a threat however
PSG choose to play, whether on the break or going toe-to-toe with the blues
from the start.
Chelsea had more than their fair
share of chances at 1-1 in Paris but after halftime came PSG were more than
value for their win in the second half and could have taken a 3-1 lead long
before Pastore but the killer touch to the game. Samuel Eto’s return would be a
massive fillip to their chances although they had enough threat without him in
France last week and the main worry for Jose’s men is likely to be keeping a
clean sheet here, which will be difficult given the class of their attack and
impressive away form – they have recorded impressive victories away from home
at Olympiakos, Anderlecht and Leverkusen even with losing at Benfica. Chelsea
are not down and out of this yet but lumping on a 4/5 home win doesn’t make
appeal and the 3-1, whether in extra or normal time, would be our preferred
method of siding with a comeback although the 10/11 on both teams scoring would
make most appeal for those playing; I’m happy to let my ante posts on this ride
with faith in PSG.
Advice
No bet (Consider BTTS + Chelsea & Over 2.5)
Already Advised
2 pts each/way Juventus (20/1 Hills, 18/1 general)
1 pt each/way PSG (16/1 general)
1 pt each/way Borussia Dortmund (20/1 general)
1 pt each/way Atleico Madrid (40/1 Coral)
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