Barcelona vs Chelsea Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview. Check the match preview, betting tips, useful info and football predictions for the match between Barcelona vs Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona vs Chelsea Match Preview
As we move into the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 fixture Barcelona vs Chelsea, there is enough to be happy and concerned for both the sides. That the tie is still on the edge makes the second leg at the Nou Camp in Barcelona on Wednesday, March 14, so check out our Barcelona vs Chelsea prediction and betting tips.
Barcelona
The Spanish giants may be going into this second leg of Barcelona vs Chelsea fixture with the scores reading 1-1, but they were staring down the barrel at 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in February. It was due to Lionel Messi’s brilliance, who captured his first goal against the Blues, that Barca come into this fixture with a crucial away goal. The Argentine talisman was missing in action during the weekend’s 2-0 away win at Malaga, but he should be back for Barca for this crucial encounter. The hosts come into this fixture on the back of a 13-match unbeaten streak (W9, D4). In fact, since their Super Cup reverse against Real Madrid, in both the fixtures, they have lost only one competitive game – against Espanyol in the second leg of the Copa del Rey. But, all that will be history, as their Champions League hopes rest on brushing aside Chelsea’s challenge?
Chelsea
No one gave Chelsea a chance in the first leg, but it was a tribute to Antonio Conte’s brilliance that they kept the Catalans under leash. The Blues’ manager will be the first to admit that his side are still the underdogs in this Barcelona vs Chelsea fixture, but they retain a fighting chance to spring a surprise on one of the title favourites. But, this season hasn’t been a fruitful one for the Blues who are struggling to hold on to their top-four place in the Premier League. They defeated Crystal Palace with comfortable ease in the weekend, but that is only their fourth win in 16 competitive games (W4, D7, L5) in this calendar year. It gets worse when it is away from home, as the Blues have lost four on the trot and have just one win in their last eight trips (W1, 3, L4). Can they overcome this and make a dash against Barcelona?
Barcelona vs Chelsea H2H
Six of the last seven meetings between these sides have ended as stalemates, with Chelsea registering the lone victory back in 2012.
Barcelona vs Chelsea Team News
Barcelona will be without Philippe Coutinho, who is ineligible, while Nelson Semedo and Andres Iniesta remain doubts due to injury concerns.
Chelsea will have concerns about the availability of Ross Barkley, David Luiz, and Tiemoue Bakayoko for this fixture.
Barcelona vs Chelsea Probable Line-ups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen (GK), Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba, Paulinho, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi.
Chelsea: Courtois (GK), Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso, Willian, Pedro, Hazard.
Barcelona vs Chelsea Prediction
This is a fixture that the Catalans should win easily, but that is what was said before the first leg. Conte sprang a surprise in the first leg and it wouldn’t be beyond him to do it once more. He may love to take it to penalties and decide it from there. However, there is enough quality in the Barca ranks to move to the next round.