Antonio Conte’s Chelsea will continue their campaign for the UEFA Champions League title at home against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Conte will have to make some changes in defence with David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko both currently dealing with injury problems.
Ross Barkley also remains out of the side with a hamstring problem, whilst Marcos Alonso is expected to return to the team after missing the last two Chelsea games.
Chelsea have struggled to repeat their performances of last season and Antonio Conte’s team currently sits 4th in the league, but they will be boosted by a convincing FA Cup win against Hull City on Friday.
However, Barcelona saw defender, Gerard Pique return to the side over the weekend after a brief stint on the sidelines and he is likely to start again against Chelsea. Thomas Vermaelen, who was expected to miss the game at the Stamford Bridge returns to the squad whilst Nelson Semedo is suspended.
January signing, Philippe Coutinho will miss the game, the Brazilian is cup-tied for the Champions League after featuring for Liverpool earlier this season.
The Catalan club have been in great form in the La Liga and manager, Ernesto Valverde has seen his side remain undefeated in the Spain topflight league.
Potential Chelsea starting XI (3-4-3):
GK: Courtois
Defense: Azpilicueta (RCB), Christensen (CB), Rudiger (LCB)
Midfield: Moses (RM), Fabregas (RCM), Kante (LCM), Zappacosta (LM)
Attack: Pedro (RW), Hazard (CF), Willian (LW)
Potential Barcelona starting XI (4-3-3):
GK: Ter Stegen
Defense: Roberto (RB), Pique (RCB), Umtiti (LCB), Alba (LB)
Midfield: Rakitic (RM), Busquets (CDM), Paulinho (CM), Iniesta (LM)
Attack: Messi (CF), Suarez (ST)
The Kick off time for the UEFA Champions League match is 8.45 pm Nigerian time.
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