Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a heavyweight Champions League showdown on Tuesday night, Chelsea will welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have suffered a shock last-gasp collapse in west London on October 25th as they fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Premier League newcomers Sunderland, it appears that was nothing more than a minor blip for Enzo Maresca’s men. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from November’s international break with a routine 2-0 victory away at Burnley, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad skyrocket their way into silver medal position. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with a dominant 3-0 win at home against Wolves, Chelsea have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Really storming back since their brief September wobble, the Blues should be relishing what is a blockbuster European showdown at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Chelsea Team News
Suffering an injury setback after fracturing a toe during an accident at home, Chelsea have confirmed that attacking talisman Cole Palmer will once again miss out here. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, fellow England international Levi Colwill remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.
Left as an unused substitute away at Burnley over the weekend, Moses Caicedo should be handed an immediate full recall in the middle of the park. Making a real impact after arriving from Brighton over the summer, Joao Pedro will spearhead Chelsea’s charge in attack.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, despite signing off October with a 2-1 loss at the hands of arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen over the weekend marking their return from November’s international break with a dominant 4-0 victory at home against Athletic Bilbao, Hansi Flick’s men will be dreaming of a repeat performance when they travel to west London. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with an action-packed 4-2 win away at Celta Vigo, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad gain a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third. Despite being left frustrated on November 5th as they eventually had to settle for a pulsating 3-3 stalemate away at Belgium giants Club Brugge, Barcelona have remarkably notched 14 goals in their four appearances across all competitions this month.
Barcelona Team News
Undergoing knee surgery back in September, academy graduate Gavi will not travel to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday and faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines. However, despite missing out against Athletic Bilbao over the weekend, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Flick’s squad.
Making a timely return from a muscle issue and getting some minutes under his belt on Saturday, Brazilian ace Raphinha could make a first start since September 25th. Enjoying what has been a real purple patch and notching five goals in his previous four appearances for club and country, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line here.
Chelsea vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- Both Chelsea and Barcelona have registered seven points from their first four Champions League appearances this season.
- Chelsea have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 appearances across all formats.
- Barcelona have registered 14 goals in their four appearances across all competitions this month.
- Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski has registered five goals in his last four outings for club and country.
- Barca’s four Champions League showdowns this season have produced 19 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
In what is a heavyweight Champions League showdown on Tuesday night, all eyes will fall on Stamford Bridge. With neutrals hoping for a pulsating European battle from west London, chances could come thick and fast here. Watching Barcelona gain a reputation for their action-packed affairs, the Spanish giants have seen their four Champions League appearances produce 19 goals at both ends of the pitch. Two camps who will be looking to make their own respective European statements on Tuesday night, we look set for a mouth-watering contest.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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