This Tuesday, March 17, Paris Saint-Germain faces Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off at 9 pm, CET) in the second leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 tie (PSG won the first leg 5-2). And as before every match, here’s a look at the Parisians’ opponent.
Chelsea’s situation –
Founded in 1905, Chelsea has experienced highs and lows. These include significant investments in the 2000s and major titles (Premier League in 2005, 2006, and 2010, as well as the 2012 Champions League). There were some setbacks afterward, followed by a remarkable resurgence highlighted by the Champions League title in 2021, with the 2015 and 2017 Premier League titles along the way (among others).
Since Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club to replace Roman Abramovich, the Blues have been particularly inconsistent despite significant spending during the transfer window. The accumulation of players at Chelsea has even become a running joke in the football world.
After a trophyless run since 2021, Chelsea won a title again in the 2024-2025 season: the Europa Conference League (hardly a major title), won against Real Betis (4-1). Then, the Blues went on to win the Club World Cup last summer, reaching the final against PSG (3-0).
However, this wasn’t enough to bring stability. The transfer window was once again marked by numerous moves, and Enzo Maresca failed to find consistency in matches. This ultimately cost him his job, and Liam Rosenior arrived from Strasbourg on January 10th. The results are quite good, even if there remains some inconsistency.
Summer Transfer Window 2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026 –
Source: Transfermarkt
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
This season, Chelsea boasts the fourth-best attack in the Premier League with 53 goals scored (Arsenal leads with 61, and Wolverhampton trails with 22), and is among the third-best defenses with 35 goals conceded (Arsenal has the best defense with 22 goals conceded, Burnley trails with 58).
The Blues’ top scorer is João Pedro (24 years old), who, with 14 goals, is fourth in the league (Erling Haaland leads with 22). Pedro is also the club’s top assist provider with 5 assists, placing him among the eighth-best in the Premier League (Bruno Fernandes leads with 16 assists).
Chelsea’s last 5 matches –
Only Chelsea’s possession is shown, and their shots are listed first (when data is available).
21/02/2026 (Premier League) – Chelsea (down 10 men in the 72nd minute, 1-0)/Burnley: 1-1. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 67% possession. 12 shots, 2 on target, compared to 9 shots (4 on target).
March 1, 2026 (Premier League) – Arsenal/Chelsea (down to 10 men in the 70th minute, 2-1): 2-1. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 58% possession. 7 shots, 2 on target, compared to 10 shots (5 on target).
March 4, 2026 (Premier League) – Aston Villa/Chelsea: 1-4. Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation. 59% possession. 17 shots, 9 on target, compared to 8 shots (4 on target).
March 7, 2026 (FA Cup) – Wrexham (down to 10 men in the 93rd minute, 2-2)/Chelsea: 2-4 after extra time (2-2). Playing a 3-4-2-1 formation. 69% possession. 19 shots, 7 on target, versus 17 shots (6 on target).
March 14, 2026 (Premier League) – Chelsea/Newcastle: 0-1. In a 4-2-3-1 formation. 67% possession. 21 shots, 3 on target, versus 6 shots (4 on target).
The squad:
Unavailable – Levi Colwill (returning from injury) and Estêvão (injured).
The probable starting lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Pedro
Neto – Fernandez – Palmer
Caicedo – Lavia
Cucurella – Chalobah – Fofana – Gusto
Sanchez
Chelsea’s playing style:
As in Strasbourg, and following Maresca’s approach (although there are some changes), Rosenior is implementing an attacking style of play at Chelsea. There’s a desire to have possession, to string passes together, and to control the tempo in order to create chances. All while being aggressive off the ball, imposing a physical challenge with this squad. We saw that clearly in the first leg, with some pressing and quick transitions that proved costly.
For PSG, the mission will be clear: play quickly to win duels, while being ready to contest them with maximum determination. And always be alert to a quick counter-attack launched by Chelsea when they win back possession. The first leg gives Paris the advantage, but the Blues will give everything to turn things around.
Beware of Chelsea’s high intensity, with red cards coming relatively often. There’s also the risk of leaving gaps for PSG.
