Taming Messi
Lionel Messi scored his first goal against Chelsea in his ninth game against the Blues in the first leg of this encounter .Chelsea know how to play at Barcelona no doubt. They are unbeaten in their last four visits to the Nou Camp and last month’s 1-1 draw made it eight games without defeat against the Catalans. Though it appears difficult with the current form of Chelsea’s defence . Skipper Gary Cahil and David Luiz and who are the most experienced defenders could miss the tie as Anthonio Conte prefers Azpilicueta,Marcos Alonso , and the youngster Christensen who committed the error that gave Barcelona the equalizer in the first leg. The defence must be at its best against a Barcelona side seeking to reach the quarter-finals for a record-extending 11th year in a row. Chelsea have reached the same stage once in the last five years, in 2013-14.
Chelsea forwards to take their chances
Anthonio Conte’s side need to score to have any hope of progressing. The Blues’ strike-force has stuttered of late though they had the better shots at goal to win the game at the Bridge three weeks ago with Willian hitting the post twice before finding the back of the net later. . Alvaro Morata has not scored since Boxing Day. Oliver Giroud has one goal since his arrival from Arsenal in January .Eden Hazard who has been converted to a ‘false nine’ by Conte in several games this season including the first leg of this encounter and against Manchester City where he voiced his frustrations after the lacklustre loss at Etihad. Conte has been deliberating over his forward options and said he would consult his players on the best way to play in the game.
Invoke the spirit of the last two visits to Spain
The Blues’ performance in their last two visits to Spain was topnotch. The 2-2 final result in 2012 Semi final tie at Nou Camp where they dumped out Barcelona with 10 men and the 2-1 victory against Athletico Madrid in september . On that occasion Morata and Hazard combined spectacularly and with Mitchy Batshuayi scoring a stoppage-time winner. N’Golo Kante’s all-action performance was notable too. If the Blues can reproduce a similar level it would give them a chance. But Barca are unbeaten in LaLiga this season and have scored eight goals, conceding one, in the Champions League .
Conte’s points to prove
Anthonio Conte will be willing to prove a ponit to the Chelsea fans and the Board after a series of disapponting matches especially the one at Etihad. If Chelsea can advance at Barcelona’s expense it would likely delay the speculation over where Conte will be working next season. The Italian’s words and actions this season suggest it will not be at Chelsea. And he has been linked with jobs with PSG and Real Madrid if Zinedine Zidane departs.
Blues midfield must come to the party
Ngolo Kante led midfield must be at the top of their game when the two teams meet. Intercepting and Cutting supplies of passes to Lionel Messi is important . They should also focus on Luis Suarez and other forwards who could make fastastic runs when Messi has the ball. They should make Paulinho and Rakitic uncomfortable on the ball just as in the first leg.
Familiar faces
Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas,Pedro are few of the few players who were in action in the past when these two teams met. Both Cesc Fabregas and Pedro are now at Chelsea, having played for Barcelona, including against the Blues. so they should capitalize on the weakness of their former team mates. Iniesta has returned to training following a hamstring injury and could feature. Remember ,Iniesta ended Chelsea’s hope in the controversial Champions League match in 2009 which Barcelona went on to win .Luis Suarez had two goals in seven appearances for Liverpool against Chelsea,including the tie where he bit Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013. Barca are without Philipe Coutinho who is ineligible having played for Liverpool in the Champions league before his move to the Catalan giants in January
Globalgists 