It will be a clash of the heavyweights tonight in London as Chelsea host FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League.
Both teams are currently locked on seven points from four matches, with Barça sitting 11th and Chelsea 12th in the table.
As such, tonight’s game will be crucial in terms of taking a step forward towards a possible top-eight finish.
Barça go into the game on the back of a thumping win over Athletic Club this past weekend as they celebrated the long-awaited return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.
As such, confidence in the camp will be sky high, even more so with players like Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Frenkie de Jong returning to the squad, although star midfielder Pedri remains unavailable for the game.
Manager Hansi Flick is expected to make one or two tweaks to the team that started against Athletic. As such, here’s how Barcelona could line up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Defence
Joan Garcia made his return to action this past weekend after close to two months out and immediately helped Barça secure a clean sheet. His place in the starting XI is a certainty against Chelsea.
Alejandro Balde was taken off at half-time against Athletic because of a minor head injury, but the Spanish left-back is fit and will start tonight at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Jules Kounde, who snubbed Chelsea for Barcelona back in 2022, will slot in at right-back.
As for the central defence, there is no looking past Pau Cubarsi, who has firmly established himself as one of the best young centre-backs in the game.
There will be a change of partners for the teenager, though, with Ronald Araujo expected to step in, replacing Gerard Martin, who started as a makeshift centre-back at the weekend. Andreas Christensen will have to suffice with a place on the bench on his Chelsea return.
Araujo to return vs Chelsea. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Midfield
Pedri and Gavi still remain unavailable for Chelsea, but Frenkie de Jong is back in the squad after missing the Athletic Club clash due to suspension. As such, the Netherlands international should reclaim his place in the starting XI against the Blues.
As for the other slot in the double pivot, Marc Casado is an option, while Dani Olmo has also been used in that role in recent games.
But, after his stellar performance against Athletic, Eric Garcia should once again operate as a defensive midfielder for the Blaugrana. Marc Bernal will be an option on the bench.
Fermin Lopez, who has hit brilliant form in recent months, is a shoo-in as the No. 10 for the visitors ahead of Olmo.
Attack
Marcus Rashford is available again after missing the weekend game against Athletic due to a fever. However, considering how well Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski are performing, dropping them seems unlikely.
As such, we could see Ferran occupying the left flank again, with Lewandowski leading the line as the centre-forward.
Lamine Yamal is simply untouchable in the lineup and will occupy the right flank, where he will go head-to-head against former Barcelona player and his Spain teammate Marc Cucurella.
Raphinha will see greater involvement off the bench after a short cameo at the weekend, while Rashford, too, should also feature as a substitute.
