Chelsea preparation will be easy, says Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc

Paris Saint-Germain's preparation for their Champions League showdown with familiar foes Chelsea will be "easy", says head coach Laurent Blanc.

The French champions were drawn alongside Jose Mourinho's side in the last 16 stage of Europe's premier competition on Monday 13 December, the third consecutive season the two they have been paired.

In the 2013-14 campaign, a late Demba Ba goal saw Chelsea reach the semi-final stage of the competition at the expense of the Parisians. But PSG would get their revenge a year later when goals from former Blues defender David Luiz and Thiago Silva eliminated the Premier League side on away goals at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were en route to securing the Premier League title at that point, but are currently just one point above the relegation zone. PSG meanwhile have enjoyed a typically dominant season in France and lead Ligue 1 by 17 points.

Although the two clubs are enduring contrasting fortunes, Blanc insists his side will not be considered clear favourites. "We best Chelsea once, they beat us once," Blanc told a press conference, Goal report. "They are two big clubs, one that has won the competition and the other that wants to.

"Chelsea were clearly the favourites the last two times we played but I think it is 50-50 this season. The preparation will be easy as we know this team well but there is plenty of time until February."

Defeat to Leicester City sees Chelsea sat in 16th place in the Premier League after 16 games. Mourinho's beleaguered side have already lost nine league games and could drop into the bottom three should they lose at home to Sunderland on Saturday (19 December).

PSG are in action in the Coupe de la Ligue against Saint-Etienne on Wednesday. The club then take on Caen in their last league game before the winter break on Saturday are not in action again until 9 January.