5 players who will decide Chelsea - Barcelona first leg

Chelsea and Barcelona are set to face each other for the thirteenth time in this century in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. While the Spanish side boast of several superstars compared to the Londoners, it is the English side who have the better head-to-head record with four wins and five draws in 12 previous meetings.

Barcelona come into the tie unbeaten in La Liga and have already reached the Copa del Rey finals. On the other hand, Chelsea have all but conceded their title defence as Premier League leaders Manchester City sit 19 points ahead with 11 games left to play. Further, there has been unrest off the pitch bringing manager Antonio Conte's future into question.

Despite Barcelona being favourites for the tie, it is important to note that Chelsea have not lost to their more illustrious opponents in their past seven meetings. Thus, a cagey affair can be expected in the first leg and its outcome could come down to the performances of key players at the end of 90 minutes.

So, let's take a look at the 5 players who can and will decide the first leg between the perennial rivals.

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#5 Lionel Messi

Will he break his duck?

As obvious as it sounds, Messi is key to the outcome of every match he is a part of. While the team having the Argentine will hope that he brings in his A-game to unlock defences and score, opposition tactics naturally involve ways of stopping him.

Thus, Chelsea have a real task on their hands to stop the 30-year-old who has been in brilliant form this season with 27 goals across all competitions so far.Adding his magical feet and his world-class ability to create, there is no doubt that Messi is key to the outcome of the first-leg.

However, the Blues hold a strong psychological advantage over La Pulga as they are the only team Messi has played over 4 times and failed to find the back of the net. In eight meetings between the clubs, Chelsea have shut out the Barcelona no.10 and prevented him from scoring.

Further, Messi has been below his usual standards in the Champions League this season with only 3 goals scored in the group stages. Thus, all eyes will be on Barcelona's talisman as he looks to break his duck and carry a commanding lead to the second leg.

#4 Eden Hazard

Chelsea have their own game-changer in Hazard

Talking of talismans, Chelsea have one among their own in Eden Hazard. The Belgian has the ability to dribble past any opponent with relative ease, a trait similar to Messi. In addition to his dribbling ability, the 27-year old's acceleration and end-product make him an absolute menace to deal with.

Hazard has been in superb form in recent weeks, having scored six goals in his last six league games. Conte has deployed the Chelsea no.10 in an unusual striker role apart from his usual wide-attacking position this season and he has adapted to it like a fish to water. Thus, irrespective of whether Alvaro Morata or Olivier Giroud start, Hazard is set to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

Another reason why Hazard can affect the first-leg result is the absence of Barcelona's first-choice right-back in the tournament, Nelson Semedo, due to suspension. Thus, Sergi Roberto is expected to deputise for the Portuguese. While the former has played at right-back before, he is primarily a midfielder and could find Hazard too hot to handle.

Thus, Hazard is key for Chelsea going into the match as he is the Blues' equivalent of Messi.

#3 Luis Suarez

Suarez returns to England

The Barcelona no.9 is one of the best strikers in world football and comes into the match with his confidence back. The former Liverpool forward had a patchy start to the season and has failed to score in the Champions League group stages for the Blaugrana.

However, he has rediscovered his goalscoring form in recent months and now has 11 goals in his last 10 outings. Further, the Uruguayan has fond memories of his time in England as he scored 30 league goals in his final season at Liverpool.

While Chelsea fans can be expected to boo him due to his affiliations with the Merseyside club as well as the biting incident involving Branislav Ivanovic, Suarez has the mental fortitude to deal with those expectations. Thus, if the Blues' backline is not up to speed, then the 31-year old can put the tie firmly in Barcelona's favour by the time the referee blows the final whistle.

#2 N'Golo Kante

Kante is one of the best in his position in world football

If there is one Chelsea player who will be expected to stifle Messi and whom Valverde will consider a roadblock to their success, then it is N'Golo Kante. The Frenchman is one of the best defensive midfielders in world football and is one of the best finds of this decade.

The 26-year old was an unknown entity when he joined Leicester City in 2015 and was pivotal in the Foxes winning their first-ever Premier League. He did not miss Conte's eye as the Italian signed the diminutive midfielder in 2016 and was key to Chelsea's title win that season, winning the PFA Players' Player of the Year in the process.

Kante's ability to cover every blade of grass is second to none and he has the ability to single-handedly dominate Barcelona's midfield if he is on song. Hence, the Chelsea no.7 could eventually prove to be the difference if Conte's side manages to take a lead into the second leg.

#1 Andres Iniesta

Iniesta (right) has to roll back the years for Barcelona

The memories of scoring a late goal at Stamford Bridge to secure a place in the 2009 Champions League final might seem like a distant dream for the Barcelona captain. The 33-year old is nearing the end of a glorious career and is no longer the midfield force he used to be.

While Philippe Coutinho is expected to eventually replace him going forward, the Brazilian is cup-tied this season, due to his involvement in the competition with Liverpool. Thus, Barcelona and Valverde will look up to Iniesta to roll back the years and dominate the Chelsea midfield with his intelligent movement, nimble feet and ageless creativity.

Iniesta has occasionally shown his form of yesteryear this season but he will have the uphill task of dealing with Kante in the first leg. While Messi has won several matches for Barcelona, it has almost always been Iniesta's performances that won big games for the Catalan outfit, like he stepped up that night at the Bridge back in 2009.

Hence, Iniesta will be key to Barcelona's success while stopping him will help Chelsea win the midfield battle, making him the player who will decide the first leg.