David Luiz faces his old side, while Shakhtar Donetsk are playing their home leg 600 miles from their home stadium in tonight’s Champions League last 16 ties.
We’re only just into the knock-out stages of the Champions League, but we’re already giddy with excitement.
Tonight, four European heavyweights will hope to put one foot into the next round of the tournament.
Here’s what we think will happen.
Paris Saint-Germain v Chelsea
Tonight, 19:45
These two clashed in last season’s quarter-finals, with Chelsea progressing on away goals after a last gasp Demba Ba strike.
David Luiz was instrumental in that game, providing an assist for Andre Schurrle’s opener and causing confusion in the box for Ba’s late winner.
Video via: ne0teric_sAN
Luiz, who now plays with PSG, has been criticised for his concentration and defensive capabilities by many, but there is no doubt he has real talent going forward, as do many of his PSG teammates.
Nonetheless, if there is anyone who knows how to quell an opposition’s attacking ambition it’s José Mourinho.
The French side will have to overcome the Blues without the talents of Yohan Cabaye, Marquinhos and Serge Aurier, who all went off injured during the 2-2 draw with Caen at the weekend.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have been boosted by the return of Diego Costa, but we still expect a tentative first leg, with Chelsea likely to adopt a ‘must not lose’ rather than a winning approach.
Prediction: PSG 0-0 Chelsea
Shakhtar Donetsk v Bayern Munich
Tonight, 19:45
Shakhtar will play Bayern in Lviv tonight, a town approximately 600 miles from their own Donbass Arena, which is out of action due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Truth be told, this is not the only setback Shakhtar have had entering this match as they’ve not played a competitive match in 10 weeks and will be without key player Taras Stepanenko.
Bayern, on the other hand, come into this game full of confidence after an 8-0 win against Hamburger SV at the weekend.
We reckon Pep Guardiola’s side will overcome a spirited Ukrainian side and bring a slender lead back to Munich.
Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 Bayern Munich
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