Chelsea vs PSG: Preview and predicted UCL lineups
By Joel Masibo, March 17, 2026Chelsea will be seeking to overturn a heavy first-leg deficit in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, March 17, 2026, at Stamford Bridge after a difficult outing in Paris one week ago.
The Blues performed well for much of the first meeting but were undone late on, conceding three quick goals to give the French side a significant 5-2 advantage heading into the return leg in London.
Paris, who are defending champions, will feel confident given their recent dominance in knockout ties against English clubs. However, Chelsea have been extremely strong at home in European competitions, winning the vast majority of their recent fixtures at Stamford Bridge. Big victories against top opposition suggest they are capable of mounting a comeback if they find momentum early.
Ahead of the tie, the Blues will be searching for redemption as Newcastle United delivered a blow to Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League as Anthony Gordon’s first-half goal clinched a rare away win at Stamford Bridge in their last outing.
What managers said
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior: “If you look at the game in isolation and the scoreline, we were punished by very good players for our own mistakes. We have been undone in games by those moments [in the past]. We can’t make mistakes tomorrow. We have to remember Paris are European champions for a reason, but we know we can compete.” Liam noted.
Paris coach Luis Enrique: “It’s clear that we’ve only played the first game and there’s still the second one to go. The second game is always different, because one team is set to go out of the competition and wants to change that. However, we are ready and used to playing these types of games. We want to perform in the best possible way.” He said.
Expected line-ups
Chelsea: Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernández, Pedro Neto; João Pedro
Paris Saint-Germain: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, João Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barcola
Recent form
Chelsea: LLWWL
Latest result: 0-1 loss vs Newcastle
Paris Saint-Germain: WLWDW
Latest result: 5-2 win vs Chelsea
Elsewhere, Arsenal will welcome Bayer Leverkusen, while Manchester City will be seeking a miracle against Real Madrid at Etihad.