In anticipation of the massive Champions League ties in the Quarter-Final stage, we’ve done something special for our build-up. Eight teams, eight experts, each giving us their insight into their team’s chances, tactical set ups and bold predictions.

Jonathan Johnson is the expert for this piece focusing on Paris Saint-Germain. Jonathan is a French football journalist whose work can be found on ESPN, beIN Sport, Bleacher Reports and the excellent French Football Weekly.

Firstly, what are your thoughts on PSG’s Champions League campaign so far?

It has been a thoroughly satisfying continental campaign for Paris Saint-Germain so far. Laurent Blanc has come in and many things have changed since the Carlo Ancelotti era. For the better as well.

Under the Italian, PSG often played counter-attacking football instead of looking to thoroughly dominate their opponents. This is particularly true in Europe, where the French champions have looked imperious at times this season, while struggling to truly convince under Ancelotti.

There is an argument that the two-time Champions League winner is a better coach to have towards the latter stages of a competition like this, but few realise just how impressive Blanc’s continental record is. Le President has the highest win percentage of any French coach in the history of the trophy.

Perhaps he lacks the experience of Ancelotti, but as Jose Mourinho pointed out before the first leg, experience can count for very little. Blanc’s control and authority over the stars assembled in this stellar squads speaks volumes louder than a few more years on his CV ever could.

In the Champions League this term, PSG have played with the sort of style and dominance you would expect from such a lavishly assembled side. Admittedly they have had it relatively easy until they drew Chelsea, but they proved in the first leg that they belong in the latter stages of this competition.

A 3-1 lead is a massive result to take into the second leg but PSG definitely need to be cautious about Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Just how do you think Laurent Blanc should set his side up?

PSG are not capable of parking the bus, so an overly defensive approach immediately goes out of the window. Instead, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence (dare I say it?) actually gives Blanc and his players a tactical advantage.

Without the Swede, Edinson Cavani will lead the line through the middle with Ezequiel Lavezzi and Lucas Moura offering searing pace from both sides. PSG will look to dominate the ball in midfield, but likely won’t be able to keep hold of it as easily as they did at home.

Therefore, Blanc will be concentrating on his side breaking at speed and scoring a crucial away goal. It won’t exactly be counter-attacking football, but it will be as close as you can get to that with this aesthetically pleasing PSG side.

Chelsea were completely out played in midfield at the Parc des princes. Undoubtedly Mourinho will look to change the approach there. What do PSG need to do from their end in the middle of the park?