PSG v Chelsea: Ibrahimovic to set the tone on attacking night in Paris

PSG v Chelsea
Wed, 19:45 GMT
Live on BT Sport Europe

Match Odds
PSG 1.73, Chelsea 6.00, The Draw 3.85

PSG are on an incredible run of 20 wins and two draws from 22 matches but the mediocre standard of French football ought to temper excitement about those stats.

The club from the French capital are deservedly rated Europe's'best of the rest' behind the Big Three of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid these days but not so much better than Chelsea that they're nailed-on to win.

Last season's last-16 victory over Chelsea against the odds - PSG went through with 10 men in the second leg - hands the hosts a psychological boost but equally may motivate the Blues for revenge.

Chelsea have disappointed this season but their form has improved markedly under Guus Hiddink (W6-D6-L0 from their last 12 matches in all competitions) and they produced arguably their best display of 2015-16 vs Newcastle United (5-1) at the weekend.

That said, however, PSG deserve their odds-on price. They look superior individually and collectively to Chelsea and ought to be mentally resilient enough to overcome the Serge Aurier'affair' - more of which in James Horncastle's column.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.36, Under 1.73

I expect an open encounter with chances at both ends as these two sides look stronger offensively than defensively.

PSG are below-strength at right-back as no. 1 Aurier is banned (see above). David Luiz has missed seven of his team's last 17 Ligue 1 fixtures through injury, raising legitimate concerns about his sharpness.

Chelsea also have problems in defence. Kurt Zouma is ruled out and John Terry is a doubt. The Blues have conceded in 24 of 37 fixtures this season and injuries won't help matters.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has underperformed for PSG in this competition but is in magnificent form. The Sweden international has scored 27 goals in 32 appearances this season, while Angel Di Maria has produced some sublime football recently.

Chelsea's attack arrives in fine form having put five past Newcastle at the weekend and the visitors may play offensively to compensate for their defensive shortcomings.

All things considered, Overs looks the smart bet.

Both Teams to Score
Yes 2.24, No 1.76

An alternative to Over 2.5 Goals is 'Yes' in the Both Teams to Score market. With this selection you would cover the 1-1 draw.

The odds are shorter than on Over 2.5 Goals. Of the two we prefer Over 2.5 Goals, but both are worthy of consideration, with the odds-against price on 'Yes' appealing in this market.

To Score

It is no surprise that Ibrahimovic heads the 'To Score' market at 2.12. He remains PSG's talismanic striker and has netted six of PSG's last 10 goals.

A worthwhile longer-priced alternative would be Blaise Matuidi at 6.00. The France international midfielder has yet to find the net in the Champions League this season but is a man for the big occasion and eminently capable of raising his game here.

Matuidi makes some excellent runs into the box and will be a danger if Chelsea fail to track him properly.

Recommended Bet

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.36