Another big night of Champions League football awaits Europe with Barcelona heading to Chelsea for a round of 16 clash. The previous fixtures between the two sides have produced drama in plenty with Chelsea holding a stubborn lead over the Catalans in the head-to-head fixtures.
Barcelona icon, Lionel Messi has broken all kinds of goal-scoring records but the little genius is yet to deliver against Chelsea having failed to score in any of his previous 8 fixtures against the Blues. Chelsea have their own season to save and will want to produce another gritty rear-guard display to see out Barcelona when the two sides face off at Stamford Bridge.
Marcos Alonso, who has been absent for the last few clashes is in line to return for the big match while Tiemoue Bakayoko will be unable to play as he is yet to recover. The Frenchman has come under intense scrutiny because of his below-par performances in a Chelsea shirt and his absence might prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Blues. Chelsea have no suspension issues to worry about.
N’Golo Kante will have to play the game of his life to stop the free-flowing Barcelona midfield. In attack, as has been the norm this season, the onus will be on the Belgian captain Eden Hazard to create chances for Chelsea.
Here is how Conte will want to set up his team for the match.
Formation: 3-5-2
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will have to be sharp in goal and will have to pull off an excellent night if he wishes to help his team progress to the next round. It will be an acid test for Conte’s defence and the three selected men on the night could be Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. Gary Cahill has been off form and might sit out with David Luiz not even remotely close to featuring for the big match.
Victor Moses will be chosen over Davide Zappacosta as the right wing-back while Marcos Alonso can be expected to resume his natural services from the left wing back role.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante will be partnered with his old teammate Danny Drinkwater and the midfield duo will have to sit and break apart every single Barcelona attack while Cesc Fabregas can be expected to play ahead of them and provide balls for counter-attacks.
Attack
Alvaro Morata will have the responsibility of leading the line against Barcelona while his supporting striker will be Chelsea ace Eden Hazard will be the Blues’ best hope on the night to rival Lionel Messi.
