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Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain: Line-ups, stats and preview

Can PSG end a remarkable season with the Club World Cup trophy or will Chelsea spring a surprise? Read our in-depth preview for pointers...

Written by Jon Fisher
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Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain: Line-ups, stats and preview

 

Preview for Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain

Chelsea step into the firing line on Sunday as they try to stop the Paris Saint-Germain juggernaut from capping a remarkable season by winning the Club World Cup.

PSG have already clinched a domestic double and the Champions League, in which they hammered Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

They have been equally impressive in the United States with 4-0 wins over Atletico Madrid in their tournament opener and Real Madrid in the semi-final.

Luis Enrique has built a superb team that can marry technical ability with an energetic style that leaves opponents befuddled.

The thrashing of Xabi Alonso’s side on Wednesday merely underlined their superiority over Europe’s other big guns and former Real Madrid full-back Michel Salgado was hugely impressed, in particular by how Luis Enrique has reshaped his team following the departure of Kylian Mbappe last summer.

Salgado told AS: “What he has done is spectacular.

“Everyone was talking about Mbappé when he left, and he knew how to manage the change without ever criticising him. They have adapted to another way of playing, to another style, more collective, always prioritising the team over individuality. This pushes everyone to give their all, not only in attack, but also in defence. He is a coach who motivates his players a lot.”

Ousmane Dembele made his return to the starting line-up after injury in midweek and the former Barcelona star immediately got on the scoresheet as part of another brilliant display.

“Dembélé presses as if he were the best defender in the world,”added Salgado. “Convincing a player like Dembélé to do this is what really distinguishes a good coach. It’s clear. Transform the most difficult players from an individual mentality to a mentality at the service of the collective.”

PSG will head to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as overwhelming favourites having emerged from the more difficult half of the draw but Chelsea can view it as a free hit against, undeniably, the best side in the world.

Whatever happens on Sunday, it is further evidence the London club are on the right track under Enzo Maresca.

The Italian also enjoyed continental success last season by guiding the Blues to the Conference League title and he claims it is progress that is long overdue.

He said: “We are very proud to play in the final on Sunday.

“This is the Club World Cup – the best clubs in the world are here. For us to be there on Sunday is something that we are very proud of.

“The last few years have not been what the club deserves or what the history of this club says.

“This year, luckily, it has gone quite well. The Conference League, we managed to win it, and now we are in this final and we are in the Champions League.

“We are very proud to help the club to get back to where it deserves to be.”

 

Team News for Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain

Chelsea will again be without winger Noni Madueke as he closes in on a move to Arsenal.

Liam Delap returns from suspension but is unlikely to dislodge Joao Pedro following his two-goal display in the semi-final win over Fluminense. Levi Colwill is also back from a ban and could start at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Midfielder Moises Caicedo has an ankle injury and will be assessed nearer kick off.

PSG continue to be without Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez but are set to name the same side that beat Madrid.

 

Predicted line-ups for Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; Pedro

Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Vitinha, Ruiz, Neves; Doue, Kvaratskhelia, Dembele

 

How to watch Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain: TV and online streams

Chelsea versus PSG kicks off at 8pm UK time on Sunday evening. It can be watched on Channel 5 and DAZN and streamed via both platforms’ apps.

You can also catch it on the bet365 app.

 

Odds and Tips for the big game

  • Chelsea are bidding to become the first English team to win the Club World Cup twice
  • The teams have not met since 2016 when PSG won a Champions League last-16 tie 4-2 on aggregate

 

Prediction for Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain

It would take a brave punter to go against PSG.

Luis Enrique’s side are in a class of their own at present and, if they score an early goal, could run out convincing winners.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-4 Paris Saint-Germain

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