UEFA Champions League - Chelsea vs Barcelona: 5 surprise players who could impress 

With the heat and hype of Real Madrid vs PSG settling down, all eyes are on now on the next mouthwatering fixture between the Blues and the Catalans.

While in the previous week, it was the La Liga side who had the last laugh against Paris Saint-Germain, Barca would look to replicate their domestic rivals' result along with keeping it in mind that it won't be an easy task for them.

The last time these two sides locked horns with each other, it was Chelsea who emerged as the winners as they beat Barcelona in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League in 2012.

The mid-week clash is keeping the football fans at the edge of their seats. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta are all the talk of the town at the moment. Although the regular names are yet again being the center of attraction, let's take a look at five players who might come off as a surprise package when the two sides would clash at the Stamford Bridge this Wednesday.

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#5 Paulinho (Barcelona)

Paulinho has been a passive yet impactful player for Barcelona in the Champions League so far.

The man for whom Barcelona made a shocking deal of 40 million to get him from China to Spain is surely a figure to watch out for.

Paulinho quite often stays faded within the star-studded Barcelona team. The Brazilian midfielder along with Andre Gomes extends Barcelona's midfield options and has proved to be influential on numerous occasions.

His passive yet impactful style of play can help Barcelona outshine Chelsea as it's most likely for the Blues to deploy their defensive resources after Messi, Suarez, Rakitic or Iniesta. Such instances give Paulinho acres of space in the midfield along with the freedom to widen the gameplay and create an impact.

The only question is, would he start for the Blaugrana in such a crucial away fixture? Most probably it's possible that the 29-year-old would be a part of Ernesto Valverde's plans as Coutinho won't be able to feature in the Champions League due to his arrival from Liverpool with whom he already had featured in the group stages. Starting the game or coming off the bench, Paulinho is surely a player who could prove fatal for Chelsea.

#4 Pedro (Chelsea)

Pedro has the passing accuracy of 84% in the Champions League so far

It was needed for a former Barcelona man to be on the list, isn't it? So, Pedro is the name. The former Barca No.7 has flourished even better with Chelsea and would be certainly the man who'd test the Catalans' defence.

With Chelsea posing attacking threat through Zappacosta, Willian, Marcos Alonso and Hazard himself, Pedro is more likely to be not under Barcelona's defensive radar. His performance has helped Chelsea in the Premier League a lot of times but the Spaniard has been less influential when it came to European contests. But this time the forward can rise up against the odds in his first clash against his former team as he has many reasons to do so.

Chelsea's attacking spearhead,Hazard would need help from Pedro to amplify his presence against the La Liga side. It'd surely be worthy to watch this forward play against his ex-team in a crucial fixture which is to take place this midweek.

#3 Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)

Sergi Roberto is able to play in multiple positions whether defensively or attacking.

Sergi Roberto can be called as Ernesto Valverde's key-man when it comes to attacking strategies. The dynamic Spaniard can play as a winger, midfielder or as a full-back, thus expanding the Barcelona's tactical options.

With Nelson Semedo not being a regular starter, Sergi Roberto is most likely to start for the Catalans at Stamford Bridge. Plus, his heroics at Camp Nou in Barcelona's iconic comeback against PSG last year can't be forgotten. This shows Roberto's excellence, especially in the Champions League.

Roberto would be a lot influential in aiding the deadly Barca attacking which includes the likes of Messi, Suarez, and Rakitic. Also, he'd be a great asset in the defence. His pace and positioning would be needed to stop their biggest threat- Hazard, down the right side of the pitch.

#2 Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

Cesc Fabregas was the product of Barcelona Youth Academy- "La Masia"

Though as per the current form, Fabregas won't be much of a threat for Barcelona. But fans from around the globe would have their eyes on this Spanish midfielder who would clash against his boyhood club.

Fabregas has proven his worth and prowess in the Premier League earlier during his stint at Arsenal. Right now, he hasn't been much of a goal-scorer, but is a pivotal player when it comes to team-play. The Spaniard has provided four assists so far in the domestic league with an average passing of 66.66 per match. He also has impressive defensive stats. Fabregas' tackle success rate is 72%. That means the Chelsea midfielder can also be a great asset when it comes to defending and ball recovery. That is something which would come handy when you are facing attacking giants like Messi, Suarez, Rakitic, Iniesta etc.

After having left the Catalans in 2014, it is the first time Fabregas would play against his former teammates. It would be exciting to watch this La Masia product along with Pedro having a battle within the war while Chelsea would take on Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

#1 Alvaro Morata (Chelsea)

Morata's El Clasico experiences would come handy while Chelsea would face Barcelona

If there is any player who has known Barcelona the most then it has to be this ex-Real Madrid starlet. Alvaro Morata was Real Madrid's main forward when it came to crunch situations. However, less playing time and being the second choice behind Karim Benzema forced Morata to leave the Spanish Capital and join the Londoners.

The Spanish striker couldn't shine much in the Blue outfit as he was expected to. Maybe it's too soon to comment regarding his performances as it's only the forward's first season in England. Despite it being his debut season and facing criticisms, he has managed to find the net 10 times so far in the Premier League and also has five assists to his name.

The 25-year-old striker can be deadly when combined with Hazard. His superior aerial abilities, dribbling, and pace makes him a threat for the Barcelona defence. Morata's story might be different this time than his performances in the Premier League, because this is Champions League and he is facing Barcelona, against whom he has a lot of playing experience.

The Chelsea No.9 can come off as a great surprise and put up a show for the Blues in their own backyard who is all set to welcome Barcelona for an iconic Champions League clash.