Chelsea will be keen on overturning their one goal deficit on Wednesday when they take on Ligue 1 giants PSG at Stamford Bridge in what is sure to be an epic Champions League encounter between two in-form sides.
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The Swede’s contract at PSG is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving him available to join Manchester United for free. “We will see over the next couple of days”, said Zidane of Bale, who came off the bench to score against Celta after six weeks out.
Fabregas appeared to be taking aim at Chelsea team-mate Thibaut Courtois, who is holding a medicine ball above his head.
Sweden manager Erik Hamren feels Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Paris Saint-Germain have a good chance of beating Chelsea and going on to win this season’s Champions League, something he hopes happens for his countryman.
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‘When he is ready to do so, maybe on Tuesday, he will play in a practice match, but I don’t think he will make it.
Blanc is aware of Costa’s other qualities on the field of play, though, and acknowledges that his side will have to be at full strength if they are to pick up a positive result in West London.
“I’ll tell my players not to respond to that”. Some players needed a wake-up call.
PSG have made no secret that the European Cup is their aim, just like it was the target for Chelsea and owner Roman Abramovich before their 2012 win. I know how good Chelsea can be but they have not been good enough this season for me to bet on them in big matches.
The forward has a well-founded reputation for mastering some of football’s darker arts and Blanc has warned his defenders they can not risk reacting to any provocation from the Brazil-born Spanish global if they want to reach the last eight.
Diego Costa missed last Saturday’s draw with Stoke as a precaution and will be chomping at the bit to return against PSG.
On the eve of the first leg, Hazard suggested a move to PSG would be hard to turn down, stoking speculation he is hoping to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Ibrahimovic has been in fine form this season however, and still looks capable of competing at the highest level, having netted 23 goals in 22 League games so far this season.
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“We have to stay as 11”.
