Barcelona vs Chelsea Preview: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea face the daunting task of playing reigning champions Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the second leg of their Champions League semi final tonight. 

The Blues have given themselves a great chance of causing a major upset after grinding out a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday, but will need a repeat of the superb defensive performance they produced that evening if they are to stand a chance of keeping Pep Guardiola’s men at bay again.

Barcelona go into the game off the back of two successive defeats having been beaten by rivals Real Madrid 2-1 at the Nou Camp on Saturday night, while a much-changed Chelsea drew 0-0 at Arsenal.

The victors this evening will book their place in the final on May 16th at the Allianz Arena, with either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid the opposition.

Team News

Gerard Pique will return for Barcelona after missing the last two games with a minor injury. Javier Mascherano filled in at centre back in his absence, so the Argentine is likely to make way.

Lionnel Messi will play despite concerns over his fitness with the striker missing training on Sunday due to a fever. Pep Guardiola has no new injury concerns with only long-term absentees David Villa and Eric Abidal on the sidelines.

Roberto Di Matteo is almost certain to name the same eleven that performed so admirably in the first leg. The Italian rested eight of that line-up for Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal, so should have plenty of fresh legs tonight.

Despite picking up a knee injury last Wednesday, Didier Drogba is in line to start after training on Sunday and Monday with the rest of the squad.

David Luiz is still out so Gary Cahill and John Terry will continue at the back, with the pair helping Chelsea to clean sheets in their last two games. Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole and Ramires are all one booking away from being suspended for the final.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Barca are usually formidable at the Nou Camp but Jose Mourinho showed how to beat the Catalans with a 2-1 win at the weekend, which will give Chelsea much confidence heading into this game. Despite the home side dominating i can see Chelsea sneaking one on the break and winning the tie on away goals. Barcelona 2-1 Chelsea (2-2 on agg, Chelsea to progress on away goals)

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