Pedro Neto remains as Chelsea reshuffles side for Paris trip
Pedro Neto keeps his place in a side that has been overhauled for a trip to Paris, and chelsea will travel with a mix of youth and rotation as Liam Rosenior names a largely new starting XI for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie.
Pedro Neto and Chelsea’s attack chosen for the French capital
Pedro Neto is the only player retained from the side that began the FA Cup victory at Wrexham. He is joined in the attack in the French capital by Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro, forming the forward quartet named to start the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
Filip Jorgensen is selected in goal, making his third Champions League appearance this season, while the pitch role for Pedro Neto underlines a trust in his pace and presence up front. The starting XI reads: Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, James (c), Caicedo, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro.
Liam Rosenior’s ten changes for the Paris Saint-Germain tie
Liam Rosenior has altered his team heavily, making ten changes for the first leg in Paris. The only carryover from the weekend is Pedro Neto; every other starting place is new from the side that played at Wrexham.
The back four selected are Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella, with Reece James expected to captain and join Moises Caicedo in midfield. That reshuffle extends to the bench, which includes Romeo Lavia, Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap among the substitutes named for the trip.
Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos one booking away from suspension
Two midfielders in the matchday squad carry an immediate disciplinary note. Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos are each one Champions League booking away from triggering a one-match suspension, a detail that shapes availability as the tie unfolds over its two legs.
For this first match, both remain available to play, but their caution counts are a clear factor in selection and in how they must manage their challenges and positioning in Paris.
Rosenior’s selection combines a fresh defensive unit with an attack anchored by Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro. The team travels to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg in the French capital, with Filip Jorgensen starting in goal for his third Champions League appearance this season.
