Football Results

On Tuesday evening we have a true European classic in the round of 16 of Champions League, given that Chelsea from London met with Barcelona even 10 times in last 13 years in this competition. It is very interesting that the English team had more successes, which won three matches, drew five and lost two, both in seasons 2004/05 and 2005/06.

Chelsea

However, the Blues remained undefeated in their last seven head-to-head, although Barcelona went further in 2009 due to goal scored away, while in 2012 Chelsea reached the final after home victory of 1-0 and away draw 2-2. However, in the meantime the team from London had less success in this competition than the Catalans, and before this match they occupy only the fourth place in the Premier League table.

True, manager Conte players won in previous round West Bromwich 3-0 at home after two consecutive defeats, while last weekend they defeated at home second-division Hull 4-0 in the FA Cup when they played with their 2nd team. In the meantime several players have recovered and now against Barca in the starting line-up we might see defender Alonso and forward Morata, while stopper Luiz and midfielders Bakayoko and Barkley will probably remain on the bench.

Probable lineups Chelsea: Courtois – Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill – Moses, Drinkwater, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso – Hazard – Morata

FC Barcelona

Unlike Chelsea which will surely not defend the title in domestic championship, Barcelona is absolute ruler of the Spanish La Liga since the beginning of season, and at the moment it has even seven points more than 2nd-placed Atletico Madrid. True, the advantage was two-digit one just three rounds ago but in the meantime the Catalans drew with Espanyol and Getafe, while last weekend it won Eibar, while at the same time Atletic won all three league matches.

In the Spanish Cup Barca had eliminated Valencia and reached the final. It is probable that playing on so many fronts has left a mark on certain players, which is why manager Valverde often experimented with the team. Now against Chelsea, we expect to see the strongest Barca’s team, although stopper Vermaelen is injured, defender Semedo cannot play due to accumulated yellow cards, while midfielder Coutinho has already played with Liverpool in this year’s Champions League.

Probable lineups Barcelona: ter Stegen – Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba – Busquets – Rakitic, Paulinho, Iniesta – Messi, Suarez

Verdict:

Although Barcelona plays excellently in all competitions this season we got impression that is in slight decline which always tough and uncomfortable Chelsea should exploit to at least avoid being defeated at home.

Pick:  Asian handicap +0.25 Chelsea 1.96 - 96/100 @1XBet