Chelsea is back in the Champions League after missing out entirely last year, following one of the worst Premier League campaigns in the club’s history. However, after finishing in second place in the Group Stage, they have the unenviable task of taking on Barcelona in the Round of 16.
Barcelona has made it to the Champions League Quarterfinals for 10 straight seasons. They have dominated English clubs during that time, but Chelsea has been the one that has given them a bit of trouble.
Don't miss the Champions League action from Stamford Bridge at 2:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
Champions League Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Barcelona -106
Chelsea +281
Draw +244
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
It’s not surprising to see Barcelona as an odds-on favorite in Stamford Bridge. Barca has been dominant all year long. They emerged unscathed from a tough qualifying group, allowing just one goal in six games. In La Liga, they are running away from everyone and only one team can catch them at this point.
Chelsea has had some trouble as of late. They are battling to stay in one of the guaranteed Champions League spots in England and some rumors have even cropped up that the notoriously fickle Roman Abramovich might be ready to send manager Antonio Conte packing.
Injury Report
It sounds like Barcelona will be without two players for the first leg of their clash with Chelsea. Defender Nelson Semedo is set to miss the match because of card accumulation. However, Semedo has fallen out of favor with the club and was unlikely to start in this one.
The other possible loss is more important. Thomas Vermaelen is a consistent selection for the first team when he is healthy, but he has been sidelined the last few weeks due to a hamstring injury. He is considered doubtful to play in this tilt.
The home side is likely to be without two players as well. Midfielder Ross Barkley was injured in practice a few weeks ago, suffering a pulled hamstring, while outside back Marcos Alonso took a knock on the ankle last Saturday. Both players are considered doubtful.
Recent Form
Chelsea has not performed well lately. They suffered stunning three-goal defeats at the hands of clubs like Watford and Bournemouth over the last couple weeks, and that doesn’t inspire much confidence coming into this tilt.
Their opponent has had no such issues. Barcelona has a chance to win a treble with the club currently in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey, in addition to their La Liga dominance. The main concern going forward is how much they can depend on Lionel Messi. There are already rumors circulating that Messi will take his foot off the gas pedal to be in prime shape for the World Cup, as national success is the one thing that has eluded him in his playing career.
Matchup to Watch
Seeing two of the best maestros in the game in action should make for great television. Messi is the best player in the world and has done it all for Barcelona. He is the driving force behind Barcelona’s smashing success and will look to carve up Chelsea’s back line.
Eden Hazard has been compared to Messi more and more as he has matured. Hazard is a few years younger than Messi and has shown that same knack for creativity. If he could lead Chelsea to a surprising upset over Barcelona, his profile would skyrocket.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
A draw wouldn’t be the worst thing for either team, and it has tantalizing odds. Look for both sides to score at least once, with the back lines will having trouble stopping the attack. Over is a tempting bet too considering the playmakers involved.
Champions League Odds: Chelsea 2, Barcelona 2
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