PSG and Chelsea collide in the last 16 of the Champions League tonight. The European champions welcome Chelsea to the Parc des Princes, with revenge on the agenda after their Club World Cup final defeat to the Premier League side in the summer.
Ahead of tonight’s encounter, we’ve picked our PSG and Chelsea Combined XI.
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Chelsea
Neither side’s goalkeeping options have entirely convinced this season, though Robert Sanchez has shown improvement despite his recent omission at Aston Villa.
PSG’s decision to allow Gianluigi Donnarumma to depart could cost the Parisians in Europe. His replacement, Lucas Chevalier, has been consigned to the bench of late.
Right-back: Achraf Hakimi – PSG
The most difficult selection on the team sheet and, arguably, a toss-up between the best right-backs in the game.
Achraf Hakimi earns the nod over Reece James, given his role in last season’s Champions League triumph. The Moroccan was near unstoppable in the latter stages when rampaging forward down the right.
Centre-back: Marquinhos – PSG
Marquinhos has performed below his expected standard this season, but could return to the side against Chelsea. The 31-year-old is the sort of leader Chelsea lack at centre-back after opting for inexperience at the heart of the defence.
Centre-back: Willian Pacho – PSG
Like many at PSG this season, Pacho hasn’t scaled last season’s heights but has proven himself as one of the best young defenders in the game. Tonight, he will face off against international teammate Moises Caicedo, with the two having become flag-bearers for Ecuador.
Left-back: Nuno Mendes – PSG
The best left-back in the world?
Few combine Mendes’s mix of power, technique, and wicked deliveries. He’s a real threat, and a potential battle with Reece James down the flank could decide the tie.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea
Moises Caicedo breaks up the Parisian dominance of our combined side, with the Ecuadorian a shoo-in to anchor the midfield. His brilliant ball-winning has cemented Caicedo as one of Europe’s best destroyers since signing for Chelsea.
📊 Moisés Caicedo is the only player to make 50+ interceptions in the Premier League this season.
» @squawka pic.twitter.com/qDif14h94G
— Chelsea Stats (@Chelsea_stat) March 6, 2026
Midfield: Joao Neves – PSG
A dream debut season saw Neves establish himself as one of world football’s most promising talents, with a key role in PSG’s quadruple success.
The 21-year-old has continued to grow at the Parc des Princes, adding more goals to his game in 2025-26. Such has been his level, teammate Vitinha recently labelled Neves as one of the best ‘three or four’ midfielders in the game.
Midfield: Vitinha – PSG
The man who makes PSG tick. A podium placing at the Ballon d’Or was recognition of Vitinha’s role in Paris, with the midfielder leading Ligue 1 in assists in 2025-26.
He’s been outstanding in Europe too, scoring five Champions League goals, including a hat-trick against Tottenham in the league phase.
Vitinha has completed 301 more passes than any other player in the Champions League this season. 🦵 https://t.co/w0KECjNeeD pic.twitter.com/FrBDLdJ5XD
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 25, 2026
Right-wing: Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Injuries have reduced Cole Palmer’s impact this season, but he will be the player PSG fears most. Palmer stole the show in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over PSG in the Club World Cup final and has a habit of rising to the occasion.
Under the lights at the Parc des Princes might just bring the best from him.
Cole Palmer has stepped up again for Chelsea. 💪
In the Europa Conference League final, he provided two assists and was named Player of the Match.
In the FIFA Club World Cup final, he scored twice, provided an assist and was named Superior Player of the Match.
Ice cold. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/LbZBdiL6X1
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 13, 2025
Left-wing: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG
Take your pick from PSG’s frontline to fill this role, but we’ve opted for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian combines strength with ballerina-esque footwork and is among the most watchable talents around at his best.
Forward: Ousmane Dembele – PSG
Joao Pedro’s purple patch deserves an honourable mention, but it’s tough to look past the Ballon d’Or winner.
PSG need Dembele back at his best ahead of a crucial period in the season.
ET OUSMANE BALLON D’OR ✨ pic.twitter.com/MwvUaixI7q
— Ligue 1 McDonald’s (@Ligue1) January 18, 2026
Read – Five moments that have defined Manchester City and Real Madrid’s rivalry
See more – Five who played for both: Chelsea and PSG
