Willian and Morata start, Strongest Chelsea lineup (4-3-3) vs Barcelona

Chelsea will seek to make progress towards the quarter-final of the Champions League when they host Barcelona in the round of 16 first-leg. The Blues are in a good run of form with back-to-back victories over West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, but they still face a difficult challenge versus an in-form Barcelona side, which have lost a solitary game this term.

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Formation: 4-3-3

Lineup:

Thibaut Courtois has played every minute of the Blues’ Champions League campaign to date, and he is certain to start between the sticks versus the Catalan giants.

In defence, Andreas Christensen is certain to return alongside Cesar Azpilicueta, and the pair could partner Antonio Rudiger, who may get the nod over Gary Cahill at the heart of the backline.

Both Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso were rested for the Cup outing, and they are likely to take their positions in the right and left wing-back spot, with the latter having recovered from a twisted ankle which has hampered his gametime of late.

In midfield, Tiemoue Bakayoko has been sidelined through injury, and in this case, Conte may opt to go with Cesc Fabregas to partner N’Golo Kante, who has been by-far the Blues’ best option in the centre of the park.

Willian should get the nod over Pedro after his exploits over the weekend, which included a brace. The Brazilian is likely to slot into the right-wing role with Eden Hazard on the left whilst Alvaro Morata may lead the line with his pace likely to be crucial on the counter-attack.

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