Closed Chelsea v Barcelona

[BlueLyon 9,359]

Barca has very clumsy defense, If press little, they start to panic. Mata is best at passing along Lamps and he is creative man, could outrun few opponents in counter attacks. In defense he isnt great, but on counters he will be best, giving chances for strikers. And he is quite experienced playing against barca, with Valencia. He will be not afraid to take responsibility and try little more. That is all we need.

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

A win on Wednesday won't really surprise me.We played really well last night and are capable of thrashing Barcelona as well.

[Sheva. 5,373]

I fully believe we can score at least 2 goals against them, the problem though will be keeping them from scoring.

[Thor 2,468]

I'm really not worried about the result, although obviously I'd love to thrash them and win.

For me, I see it as a win-win for us either way. If we end up going through, great. If we don't, and get thrashed by some chance, then it will be blatantly obvious that the team needs a complete overhaul if we want to compete at the best level again. We'll finally be having a serious look at all those players everyone is excited about adding to our team in the transfers. Either way, I think it will be great football, and it will lead to great things for us. I don't think anything bad can come from this bar injury to any of our players.

I'm looking forward to great football, and whenever we face off, its usually been that way.

[Milan 17,878]

I just want to see a proper spirit in our team, willing to fight for every ballon, playing for their shirts. I just want to feel proud after the game.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

Well If we get smashed (doubt it) at least Roman will know once and for all how many Average players there are in the squad and the cheque book WILL come out.

[Shane 2,275]

enjoy.

[Ollie 4,400]

I was a lot more nervous 3 years ago than i am now because i'm not expecting to go through but as Milan said, just wanna see a good spirit and performance and whatever happens, happens.

[ulsterchelsea 3,221]

Think we will draw on Wednesday. If it was nil all it wouldn't be the worst result going to their place next week.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

I would play this team

Ivanovic------Cahill-----Terry-------Cole

-----------------Mikel--Lampard---------

Ramires----------Mata-------------Kalou

---------------------Drogba------------------

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

Think we will draw on Wednesday. If it was nil all it wouldn't be the worst result going to their place next week.

I disagree.I feel we are going to win 2-1 and no I am not an optimist or delusional,just realistic.

[Jase 43,479]

1. Just realized that not only Luiz, Cole & Meireles are 1 YC away from a UCL suspension, Ivanovic IS too!

2. Felix Brych(German) will be the referee for this Wed's clash. He previously officiated our 4-1 home win against Napoli.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

1. Just realized that not only Luiz, Cole & Meireles are 1 YC away from a UCL suspension, Ivanovic IS too!

[Kojo 4,676]

Cech

Ivanovic-Cahill-Terry-Cole

Mikel-Essien

Sturridge-Mata-Malouda

Drogba

I was going to pick Kalou instead of Sturridge, but then again he's played too many games. Sturridge MUST!, work hard.

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

Cech

Ivanovic-Cahill-Terry-Cole

Mikel-Essien

Sturridge-Mata-Malouda

Drogba

I was going to pick Kalou instead of Sturridge, but then again he's played too many games. Sturridge MUST!, work hard.

Why pick Essien over Lampard and choose to even start Malouda!?

[ulsterchelsea 3,221]

Why pick Essien over Lampard and choose to even start Malouda!?

why pick ess full stop. He's wrecked unfortunately

[Superblue 6,372]

Tactically we have to be spot on against them, but I agree there are weaknesses in their team and we must be brave at times to try and exploit those weaknesses.

One area of strength for Barca is on the right hand side due to Alves pretty much playing as a winger to help double up on teams. This is particularly concerning with Cole a yellow card away from suspension. That is why I believe Robbie will play Ramires wide left to 'do a job' tracking Alves and helping Cole.

However on the left side is a definite weakness to try to exploit. Without Abidal they are weak defensively and can be got at on that side. That is why I would be brave and play Sturridge on the right as opposed to Kalou because I think Sturridge has the greater potential to create more. We have the option to play Kalou and be more cagey away in the second leg but we have to take some positive risks at home.

Up front I would play Drogba first leg and Torres second. I think Drogba can bully Mascherano and allow us to come forward in numbers at home when attacking them. In the second leg when we need a more mobile and willing runner to close them down, Torres is the better option.

If we don't go through I just want to be able to say we lost to the better team and not feel a grave sense of injustice as per usually the case when we get knocked out of this competition year upon year!

[Jype 6,398]

----------Drogba----------

Ramires--Mata--Studge

------Lamps--Mikel------

Cole--Terry--Cahill--Iva

-----------Cech-----------

My Starting XI for the match. Not many changes from Tottenham so some of them may be tired but placing the likes of Malouda, Meireles or Essien in their current form in the starting lineup against a quality team like Barcelona sounds even worse.