The Champions League returns tonight and, in what is sure to be a hard-fought tie, Premier League champions Chelsea travel across the Channel to take on Paris St Germain.
While Chelsea have struggled this season, in contrast the French club are unbeaten in league action this season, with 22 wins from 26 games. And with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their squad, it is sure to be a stern test for Blues boss Guus Hiddink.
It is, amazingly, the third straight season that these two clubs have met in the Champions League, with each team advancing at the expense of the other.
With this in mind, here is a combined Chelsea/PSG XI. For the purposes of this XI, only players available for both legs are considered:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
Despite the Blues’ struggles this season, Courtois remains an imposing presence between the sticks, despite still being relatively young. PSG have German Kevin Trapp as their stopper, but he doesn’t have the same presence that the Belgian has.
Right-back: Gregory van der Wiel (PSG)
Age seems to have caught up with Branislav Ivanovic a little this season, and he has been showing signs that he has maybe lost a step. Van der Wiel, however, is in his prime, and is able to track back, and support the attacking play, faster.
Centre-back: John Terry (Chelsea)
The elder statesman of the Chelsea defence, and still able to dictate the defence at the age of 35. He remains an important cog in the Chelsea machine, and is clearly still held in high regard by the fans.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (PSG)
One of the very best central defenders in the world, and he gets the nod here as he has played an important role in PSG’s unbeaten league season so far.
Left-back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Ever-dependable, ever-reliable. Even though this is not his natural position, he has made the left-back spot his own at Stamford Bridge.
Right-Midfield: Willian (Chelsea)
In my opinion, the Blues’ best player this season. He plays a major role in their attacking play, and has lifted his game, while other, bigger names have let their standards slip.
Centre-Midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
At his best, he is almost unplayable. Reads the game excellently, and has superb vision.
Centre-Midfield: Marco Verratti (PSG)
Would be a fine foil alongside Fabregas in this lineup. He is able to do the dirty, hard work necessary, allowing others to display their silkier skills. A really tenacious competitor.
Left-Midfield: Angel Di Maria (PSG)
We never saw his best at Manchester United, but since joining PSG, he has slowly been getting back to the kind of form that saw the Red Devils purchase him in the first place. He has scored some wonder goals this season.
Forward: Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Almost impossible to stop when he is in full flow, and he seems to have reached that level again in recent weeks. Has a really physical side to, and loves to wind opponents up. When he gets on a run, he is hard to stop.
Forward: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
This lineup would simply not be complete without this enigmatic Swede. One of the most gifted players on the entire planet. Has one of the biggest egos, too, but he can back this up with silky skills, and the physicality to match.
By Steve Osborne                    @BlizzardSteve75
