It’s crunch time for Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday night, who must overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit to progress against PSG at Stamford Bridge.
Guus Hiddink has done a wonderful job since taking over from sacked manager Jose Mourinho on December 19.
The match against formidable French opponents is his toughest task yet during his second spell with the Blues, who are actually slight underdogs despite home ground advantage.
Last season’s Premier League champions have their confidence back, but which players in particular will be crucial to their side’s chances of progression?
Gary Cahill
Remains a picture of consistency and his form under Hiddink has been exemplary. Vocal and a leader at the back, much like skipper John Terry, the former Bolton man will partner with Branislav Ivanovic at the heart of defence. The pair will be key to marshalling the defence against the likes of Angel Di Maria, Edison Cavani, Lucas Moura and striking sensation Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If Cahill can channel his excellent reading of the game and keep the aforementioned players to limited chances, it will be pivotal to the end result.
John Obi Mikel
This man has probably been the biggest surprise of all under Hiddink, who has revitalised the Nigerian’s game. Mikel has provided a wonderful platform for Cesc Fabregas to use his creative instincts, allowing his teammate to get forward and dictate the play. The 28-year-old Chelsea stalwart has kept Nemanja Matic out of the team and will be integral to breaking up the play and ensuring the Blues have control in midfield against PSG.
Diego Costa
The Spaniard should be raring to go after he was rested at the weekend against Stoke City. Chelsea’s most prolific forward has experienced a revival under new management and is expected to be the lone striker tasked finding the goals. Hiddink said that Costa was “hard to put the breaks on” in his post-match press conference on Sunday and Chelsea fans will be hoping that means they will see an inspired No. 19 when he walks out onto the pitch against a team he could be playing for next season.
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