The Champions League returns to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening in what promises to be one of the ties of the round as high-flying Barcelona travel to Chelsea in an intriguing looking match up. The Blues have struggled in the Premier League in recent weeks, dropping well out of the race for the league title whilst Barcelona continue to blaze a trail at the top of La Liga.
UEFA Champions League – Chelsea vs Barcelona – 1st Leg – Stamford Bridge Tuesday 20th February 2018, Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Betway |
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Chelsea
BarcelonaChelsea
The wheels are in danger of falling off for Chelsea this season – having fallen off the pace in the Premier League, they will be prioritising the Champions League and the FA Cup this season.
The Blues sit 4th in the Premier League table with 53 points from their opening 27 games and with 11 games to go, have a 19 point deficit to claw back on Manchester City and need to prioritise getting into a position to play Champions League football next season.
Eden Hazard has been one of the few bright sparks for the Blues and his 15 goals could prove invaluable as the season progresses.
Barcelona
Barca continue to set the pace at the top of La Liga – winning 18 and drawing 5 of their opening 23 league matches.
Whilst this Champions League tie against Chelsea won’t be easy, it is very winnable and coupled with a 7 point gap at the top of the league, Ernesto Valverde’s men could start to dream of yet another trophy laden season.
Lionel Messi has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season and his prolific goal record makes him one of the stand out players in world football.
Chelsea vs Barcelona Head to Head
Both of these clubs are steeped in European football history and have shared some ding-dong battles in the Champions League over the years. Remarkably, the record between the clubs is dead level – with both sides picking up 5 wins each whilst another 5 games have ended as draws. Chelsea famously drew 2-2 at the Nou Camp in 2012 thanks to a late Fernando Torres goal as they went on to lift their only ever Champions League trophy.
Chelsea vs Barcelona Odds and Predictions
Both sides have thumped the goals in so far this season and this should be a great game.
Both teams to score – YES – looks a strong bet at 3/4 with Ladbrokes.
This should be an open game between two attacking sides.
Over 2.5 goals in the game looks an excellent punt at 5/6 with Sky Bet.
Lionel Messi is synonymous with Champions League goals and he already has 23 to his name this season.
Lionel Messi to score anytime looks a good bet at 7/10 with UniBet.
Chelsea are really struggling at the moment and Barcelona, with all their quality should have too much here.
Chelsea to win the game is a sensible punt at Evens with Ladbrokes.
Chelsea vs Barcelona Score Prediction
Chelsea 1 – 2 Barcelona – 8/1 with Bet Victor.
Top Chelsea vs Barcelona Betting Tip
Antonio Conte and Chelsea are in disarray this season and playing Barcelona looks a bridge too far for them currently. Barcelona to win the match and both teams to score looks a superb punt at 3/1 with William Hill.