UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGE – PREVIEW
Chelsea v/s Barcelona
Venue: StamfordBridge
A repeat of last season’s fixture as the English champions welcome the Spanish champions. There is immense rivalry between the two sides as they go into this fixture. When the two teams met here last season Chelsea walked away with a controversial 4 – 2 win. This being the first leg of the match and this time it is played at England first. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has had his own worries as the strong Chelsea defence hasn’t quite lived up to its reputation. In 2006 Chelsea have conceded 7 goals in 6 premiership matches, the latest of them being a 3 – 0 humiliation at the hands of Middlesborough. Clearly their build up to this match hasn’t quite been good. But in the last 7 home games Chelsea have only conceded 3 goals. Mourinho will look forward to the lead in the 1st leg as Barcelona are not an easy side to beat at the Nou Camp.
On the other Barcelona have made it clear that they would want revenge for last season’s controversial defeat. They also suffered a slight set back as they lost 2 matches in a row but they bounced back with and amazing 5 – 1 victory against Real Betis, a side that has already beaten Chelsea once in the Champions League. The return of play maker Ronaldinho and teenage prodigy Lionel Messi will boost their confidence. Frank Rijkaard’s men were very disappointed with the playing conditions and Chelsea have reacted in their usual fashion. Will the pitch prove to be the decisive factor as these 2 sides meet? Since it is the first leg and it is an away leg Barcelona would definitely have a more defensive mentality than Chelsea and they would look to watch out for Chelsea’s deadly counter – attacks.
Team News
Chelsea
Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole and Arjen Robben look to be sure shot starters. Paulo Ferriera also looks set to make his champions League debut. The only spot of bother for Mourinho would be the left back position. With Gallas not fully fit will he gamble with Del Horno or would he give the nod to Gallas. Del Horno is much slower than Gallas and against the pace and flair of Ronaldinho and Co. one would feel that Mourinho would prefer Gallas. Another interesting position would be that of the 3rd midfielder as Micheal Essien is unavailable thanks to the two – match ban he received. So will Mourinho stick to a more defensive option by playing Maniche or would he give Gudjohnsen a start who is more of an attacking player. With Drogba not at his best Mourinho would most probably go with Crespo upfront. If either Maniche or Gudjohnsen start it would be interesting to see how Chelsea copes with Barcelona’s attacks.
Predicted 11
Petr Cech
John Terry
Ricardo Carvalho
Paulo Ferriera
William Gallas
Frank Lampard
Nuno Maniche
Claude Makelele
Arjen Robben
Joe Cole
Hernan Crespo
Barcelona
Ronaldinho, Deco, Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Marquez, Carles Puyol and Edmilson are looking good to start. Tracking down Lampard would be Barca’s main worry and so the position of Thiago Motta would be extremely important. Looks like Motta will be given the nod ahead of Van Bommel and Guily as Motta is the most defensive of the three. If Edmilson were to control Lampard and Maniche alone then he would have a tough time so Barca would definitely need a defensive midfielder. Another major worry would be the positions of left and right back. Will Rijkaard go with the slower experienced players or will he prefer the faster combination of Silvinho and Belletti or will go with the slower Gio and Oleguer. Against Cole and Robben it would be safer for Rijkaard to opt with Belletti and Silvinho and ask them to stay at the back and just focus on defending.
All – in - all this match is going to be one hell of a match as both teams go at it hammer and tongs. With the bad pitch conditions and home Advantage one would say Chelsea would have the upper hand but Barcelona would be hungry for revenge. Can Barcelona resist the Blue – wave or will it be yet another caliber performance by Mourinho’s men.
Predicted 11
Victor Valdes
Rafael Marquez
Carles Puyol
Silvinho
Belletti
Motta
Edmilson
Deco
Messi
Ronaldinho
Samuel Eto’o
How Chelsea can beat Barcelona?
- Firstly they will have to play their natural game. Just think it is “just another game” and Chelsea will do fine.
- Secondly Chelsea will have to buck up their defence. Conceding away goals could be a decisive in the outcome of this fixture. Chelsea have the attacking flair but they can be a little vulnerable at the back so Mourinho’s men will have to get that straight before the match.
- Joe Cole and Arjen Robben will play a vital role as their super jinxing runs down the flank can give Chelsea the goals. It would be interesting to see how Barcelona keep up to Cole and Robben.
- Also Chelsea must finish the game before half time. The first 20 minutes of the match would be vital and Chelsea would want an early goal. Once they have a 2 goal cushion they can sit back and defend.
- Last time out, long balls where the key as Chelsea beat Barca. The quality of passing from Lampard, Robben and Cole should be top class so that Ronaldinho and Messi can be kept quiet.
How Barcelona can beat Chelsea?
- The first 20 minutes of the match are very important. Barcelona would be tested immediately and the team that makes the better start will be the better team.
- Possession is also very important. Barca must keep the ball and frustrate Chelsea and then try and catch Chelsea off guard with the counter attack.
- In last year’s first leg Chelsea troubled Barca with the long ball from the defenders. Puyol and Marquez must be alert at all times.
- Samuel Eto’o would the difference between the two teams. His natural ability to score goals could set the tone for Barcelona.
- Set – pieces will be vital as Ronaldinho is deadly when it comes to dead ball opportunities. So Barcelona should draw the fouls from Chelsea and play to their strengths.
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CHELSEA READY FOR BARCELONA AS BARCELONA LOOK TO AVENGE LAST SEASON'S DEFEAT AT STAMFORD BRIDGE