After 1:1 in London, Barcelona has an advantage over Chelsea. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Spanish club can lose this game. Even a 1:0 victory for the away team means that Barça gets knocked out. It seems like they’re not gonna let that happen, but Chelsea also has a saying on this matter. One thing is certain, though, Barcelona vs. Chelsea is going to be a super-exciting duel. If you want to make some money off it, make sure to check out this match preview and betting tip!
Barcelona vs. Chelsea: Match Preview
Barcelona
Barcelona seems unbeatable at the moment. This team is on the top of the table in La Liga and the title is practically already in their hands, unless something really strange happens in the next couple weeks. What this means is that they’ve already crossed one item on their list of goals for this season and can focus entirely on the Champions League.
Thanks to the away goal rule, Barça have an advantage over Chelsea. Basically, all they need to do is not let the Blues score too many goals, preferably none. But, that’s not how Barcelona plays. You can be sure that this team will not defend the whole game, but just the opposite, they will try to outscore the opponent.
Barcelona is a team that always likes to dominate the game, especially when playing in front of their own crowd. Camp Nou, the largest football stadium in Europe is their home ground, where they’re without a defeat since August, when Real Madrid beat them in the Spanish Cup. When it comes to their home score in the Champions League, it’s even more impressive – Barcelona has won 17 out of 18 previous home games in this competition.
When it comes to their form, it suggests that Chelsea will have a very difficult time on Wednesday evening. Barcelona has won 4 out of 5 previous games. To be frank, this is not too much of a surprise considering how awesome their players are. What’s more important is that all of their key players seem to be in a superb form – Messi, Suarez, and others. Unfortunately, they will be without Coutinho, who’s not eligible for this competition, as he’s already played for Liverpool this season in the Champions League.
Chelsea
This season the Blues have not been that impressive, neither in the Champions League nor in English Premier League. Right now, they’re on the 5th spot in the league and if they stay there till the end of the season, they can say goodbye to the Champions League. Of course, unless they win it this year… However, considering that in order to do that, first they need to go past Barcelona, that scenario seems very unlikely.
Some good news for Chelsea fans is that most of their players are fit and ready for this duel. However, saying that they’re in a good form would be a big overstatement. They did win against struggling Crystal Palace last weekend, but before that, they lost two times against the two clubs from Manchester. The things are even worse when it comes to their away stats – Chelsea has lost 4 away games in a row!
Team News
Barcelona absentees:
- Nelson Semedo (injury)
- Denis Suarez (injury)
- Andres Iniesta (doubtful)
- Sergi Roberto (doubtful)
Chelsea absentees:
- Ross Barkley (injury)
- David Luiz (injury)
- Antonio Rudiger (doubtful)
Probable Lineups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen – Pique, Umtiti, Vidal, Alba – Busquets, Rakitić, Iniesta, Paulinho – Messi, Suarez
Chelsea: Courtois – Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill – Kanté, Fabregas, Alonso, Moses – Willian, Hazard, Morata
Barcelona vs. Chelsea Match Prediction
I have no doubt Barcelona will book a spot in the quarter finals tomorrow. In fact, I believe they will beat Chelsea easily in this match, probably with a couple of goals in Courtois’ net.
Barcelona vs. Chelsea Betting Tips
Barcelona @1.39 (bet365)
