Jose Mourinho is still looking for that elusive Champions League medal with a British club but he must feel that he is in prime position to add it to his cabinet over the next few years.
Because, having been at Chelsea for a season and a half in his second stint, he has crafted a lean, mean winning machine. Gone are the dawdlers and Chelsea have signed pace and athleticism to give them a lethal counter-attacking edge and the sort of resolve not seen since The Special One was last at the club.
With only John Obi Mikel sidelined for this game, Chelsea’s run of fine luck in the injury department continues to suggest that this could be their year for serious silverware.
Chelsea may not have the attacking brilliance of Real Madrid and Barcelona. But they have the stamina and durability to overcome such opposition. They will soak up the pressure before using the blistering pace of players like Cuadrado, Willian and Hazard on the counter.
As for PSG, they are possibly stagnating somewhat. They certainly aren’t progressing at the same rate as they were two years ago and coach Laurent Blanc will feel under pressure to deliver at least a Champions League semi-final this season, or his position at the club could become uncertain.
We expect PSG to be full of bluster but Chelsea will ultimately control this tie. We can easily imagine a 1-1 in Paris before Chelsea dispatch their talented French counterparts at Stamford Bridge in a tight second leg.
But these sorts of fixtures are often too close to call and any result is possible.
Prediction: PSG 1 Chelsea 1
To Qualify: Chelsea