Chelsea’s XI vs FC Barcelona predicted line up

Chelsea FC vs FC Barcelona

At Stamford Bridge later tonight, reigning Premier League champions Chelsea host La Liga side FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

The teams meet in the round of 16. After the first 90 minutes in west London, the teams will meet at Camp Nou in a fortnight.

Predicted Chelsea line-up

The Times have predicted on Tuesday how the teams may line up later tonight.
Spain international striker Alvaro Morata has only returned from injury after another spell out if action.

The summer signing had missed games with reports of a mysterious back injury. Also, France international Olivier Giroud has joined the West London club from Arsenal, while the France international striker opened his Chelsea goal account in last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup victory over Hull City.

Indeed, against the Championship side, the former Arsenal striker seemed to work well with Belgium striker Eden Hazard and Brazil international Willian.

According to the Times, Alvaro Morata, who has a good Champions League goalscoring record, will start up front against the Catalan side.

Looking at the predicted Chelsea FC XI, there’s no room for winger Willian in the starting lineup as Spaniard Pedro could start ahead of him.

Predicted FC Barcelona

On the FC Barcelona XI, the Times suggests that Brazilian Paulinho will start the match. There have also been claims that Portugal international Andre Gomes would start from the bench.

Philippe Coutinho is ineligible to represent Barcelona in the competition, having previously played for Premier League side Liverpool FC in this season’s competition.