Introduction.
The game we have all been waiting for, the defending Champions of England welcome Spain’s FC Barcelona. PSG vs Real Madrid is the only tie that can rival this one. The anxiety levels are immense.
Last time out, these guys played to a scintillating 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou. Sergio Busquets opened the scoring after a John Terry red card for his foul on Alexis Sanchez, then Andres Iniesta gave Barcelona an aggregate lead when he put away Messi’s pass. Ramires had seen enough, when he was put through on goal by Frank Lampard, he didn’t make a mistake and thought it appropriate to remind Victor Valdes that he was a short man. A magnificent chip, it was. Messi then proceeded to miss a spot kick, I still have never seen that penalty, for some reason I can’t explain. Then, Fernando Torres responded to Valdes prostrating in homage to him by rounding him and stroking casually the ball into the net, you’d mistake the ball for a parlour dog named Louis.
Chelsea proceeded to go into the final and win the trophy, meanwhile Barcelona never forgot. We waited (yeah, that’s right I’m a Barça fan) for a rematch and have only now just gotten one.
Chelsea look a shadow of their last season selves, for some reason, they’re struggling, only recently picking up wins against Hull City in the FA Cup and West Brom in the League, losing to lowly Bournemouth at home and Watford away previously. Antonio Conte has had troubles with his thin squad, backroom issues apparently disturbing focus.
Chelsea FC.
Eden Hazard is one to watch for the Blues, I’m keen to see how he fares against one of Europe’s elite. Ngolo Kante would also need to have the game of his life for Chelsea to get anything from this game, he’d have his hands full with Messi and Iniesta, and then there’s Busquets too. Busy day ahead for him. If Kante can not be on top, then Thibaut Courtois would have his palms stung frequently, he might even have to work his back and pick some things out of his net, maybe a couple of times. The Chelsea defence is looking a shadow of itself, and their attack is also dull. Of the Top 6 sides in England, Chelsea have scored the least goals, and they’re coming up against a Barcelona side that have only conceded once in this year’s competition. It looks like an uphill task for Chelsea from where I’m standing. P. S. I’m standing on the hill.
FC Barcelona.
For FC Barcelona, this game is no walk in the park cos they’re visiting the Bridge. They would need every single member of their squad to be at the top of their games for them to walk away from the Bridge smiling. Messi, Suarez, Iniesta, Ter Stegen, Pique, everyone, everyone single one, even the kit man cos I’d love to see My team look stunning while playing magnificent football.
Tactics and Managers.
Antonio Conte.
Antonio Conte says he’s been studying Barcelona for at least a month, well I hope he flunks with flying colors. He’s a very intelligent man and I’m sure my hopes may be nothing more than hopes. He knows how to set up his teams to not lose against the big sides. He’s only lost to Guardiola’s juggernauts at today’s venue in all his games against the Top 6 sides in this season’s Premier League. And that’s with his side not being at their best. We saw how they triumphed last season when they were. So, I’m intimidated by his tactical nous and still hope he flunks tonight. Fingers crossed he will.
Ernesto Valverde.
Mr. Valverde has done more than I expected him to do since he was appointed manager, he lost his first 2 games. Got battered by Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the Supercopa and I feared the worst for our season, but just like when Drake in Views told his Mom “it’s only up from here, I promise you just gotta wait” I knew patience would unlock the beast in this side. And it did. Since then, Barcelona have only lost once all season in all competitions and this includes away dates at both Madrid sides, a two legged tie with Juventus who dumped us out last season, a resurgent Valencia side whom we’ve faced 3 times already. And it’s more spectacular cos he’s done it all without Neymar in the ranks, he’s found a way to structure the team and get them to play smooth football while still being great defensively.
Verdict.
I think it’s a close one to call, before I got turned down at the weekend I’d have gone a straight Barcelona win, now I’m more pessimistic about a lot in general and so I say it’s going to be a slim Barcelona win. The Blaugranes have enough firepower to see this game through. Chelsea are frail at the moment, I expect them to defend for their lives. And they will.
Olaogun Oluwafemi.
Suckers For Soccer. 