"It will be a clash of the heavyweights tonight in London as Chelsea host FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League. Both teams are currently locked on seven points from four matches, with Barça sitting 11th and Chelsea 12th in the table. As such, tonight's game will be crucial in terms of taking a step forward towards a possible top-eight finish."
"Joan Garcia made his return to action this past weekend after close to two months out and immediately helped Barça secure a clean sheet. His place in the starting XI is a certainty against Chelsea. Alejandro Balde was taken off at half-time against Athletic because of a minor head injury, but the Spanish left-back is fit and will start tonight at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Jules Kounde, who snubbed Chelsea for Barcelona back in 2022, will slot in at right-back."
"Barça go into the game on the back of a thumping win over Athletic Club this past weekend as they celebrated the long-awaited return to the new Spotify Camp Nou. As such, confidence in the camp will be sky high, even more so with players like Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Frenkie de Jong returning to the squad, although star midfielder Pedri remains unavailable for the game."
Chelsea host FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in a Champions League clash with both teams on seven points from four matches, sitting 12th and 11th respectively. The game is pivotal for strengthening hopes of a top-eight finish. Barcelona arrive after a thumping win over Athletic Club and the return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, boosting confidence as Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Frenkie de Jong return while Pedri remains unavailable. Manager Hansi Flick may tweak the starting lineup. Joan Garcia is certain to start; Alejandro Balde is fit after a head knock; Jules Kounde is expected at right-back; Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo pair in central defence, with Andreas Christensen likely on the bench.
Read at Barca Universal
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