Barcelona vs Chelsea preview

April 23, 2012
By: Frank Beresford

Barcelona face a tough task of qualifying for the Champions League final following the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, but the Blues will also have to work hard if they are to survive the hell that awaits them at Camp Nou.

It’s been almost three years since Barca last lost two competitive games in a row, so we can safely say the past week was very unsuccessful for the Catalans.

Pep Guardiola’s side were first beaten by Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final, before they said goodbye to La Liga title by losing at home to arch rivals Real Madrid.

Therefore, this is the time for the players to show their character and produce what they are capable of, or else this season will turn into a major disappointment.

Bodog has the best price on the market on home win, with the well-known bookmaker paying 1.29 (2/7), whereas the Catalans are just 1.44 (4/9) at bet365 to qualify for the final.

Pep Guardiola could make several chances to the side that were beaten by Real, with Gerard Pique expected to finally get a chance to shine. Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas should also start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol – Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta – Sanchez, Messi, Fabregas.

Chelsea have done brilliantly to defeat Barcelona in the first leg as the amazing defensive performance and one swift counterattack proved enough for the invaluable win.

While the 1-0 victory from the first leg gives the Blues reason for optimism before the trip to Camp Nou, everybody at the club is aware the team will need to play another perfect game if they are to qualify for the Champions League final.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side kept their spirits high by holding Arsenal to a goalless draw, even if they were once again largely outplayed by their opponents.

Considering that Chelsea are unbeaten in last nine games and that their back line is working perfectly at the moment, odds of 3.00 (2/1) offered by 888sport on Blues to qualify could be worth a shot.

Didier Drogba should return after recovering from a knee injury, but David Luiz is doubtful with a hamstring problem. Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand both returned into action against Arsenal.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole – Lampard, Mikel, Meireles – Ramires, Drogba, Mata.

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