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TomVinall
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Updated at Mar 16, 2026, 11:11
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With the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg on the horizon, let's take a look at the ideal starting XI for Liam Rosenior to choose in this huge game.

On Tuesday night, Chelsea will take on PSG in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash at Stamford Bridge. 

Liam Rosenior's side have a mountain to climb, having lost the first leg 5-2 in the French capital, despite the score being 2-2 after 73 minutes. A completely avoidable collapse. 

So, how should Chelsea line up for the second leg in West London? 

Let's begin with Goalkeeper. A simple decision. It simply has to be Robert Sanchez. There is a slight concern that it will be Filip Jorgensen again, considering Rosenior has been rotating them on a game-by-game basis, and Sanchez played against Newcastle United last time out.

However, it feels a simple choice to play the Spaniard in this game. You'd hope that lessons have been learned from the first leg, and common sense will prevail. But let's see. 

At right-back, Malo Gusto has not done a whole lot wrong, but this feels a good time to put Reece James back at right-back. We saw him create the team's best chance of the first leg from a wide position. With PSG's vulnerability from crosses, this feels like the play. 

On to central defence. This is where Rosenior needs to show some grit. It's time to go for an untested pairing of Mamadou Sarr and Jorrel Hato. Sure, that would be a risk. But at least as a partnership, it's an unknown quantity. 

With the duo of Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, we know it's not good enough. They don't have the benefit of the doubt. We know that Rosenior made Sarr his captain at Strasbourg at just 20 years old, so he clearly trusts him. Then, with Hato, you have his speed to help Chelsea defend higher up the pitch and sustain pressure. 

PSG plays a fluid front three, often playing the likes of Ousmane Dembele as a false nine. Nominal striker Goncalo Ramos rarely starts games. They won't be putting in loads of crosses to a tall striker. So, a duo of Sarr and Hato feels like the move. 

At left-back, just simply Marc Cucurella. Not a lot of thinking needs to go into that one. He has been back from injury for a couple of weeks. No need to complicate things, particularly with Hato in the middle. 

In midfield, this is where things get interesting. As usual, Moises Caicedo should be starting. But with James back at right-back, who partners him? This is where Andrey Santos should get the nod. 

Although his performances have been more hit and miss of late, he has shown an excellent level at times this season, and is a very physically capable player, which Chelsea need against such an opponent. 

Then, the three behind the striker. Although there has been a clear issue with Enzo Fernandez's lack of athleticism and mobility, Chelsea need goals. For all of his flaws, he brings end product. 

At some point, it would be nice to see Cole Palmer back in the number ten, and a natural right-winger on the right. However, with Fernandez's productivity, and a lack of alternative options on the right, playing the Argentine as the 10, and Palmer off the right, feels the sensible decision for this game specifically. 

Then, off the left it should be Alejandro Garnacho. Although he was subpar against Newcastle, he offers the most threat of any Chelsea winger. Admittedly, Pedro Neto did get an excellent assist in the first leg, but overall the 21-year old feels the right option. 

Finally, again, there is no need to worry about overcomplicating things up front. Has to be Joao Pedro. He has had a couple of off games, but he is Chelsea's best option by a mile. A very simple one here. 

Possible XI vs PSG; Sanchez; James, Sarr, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro. 

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