Chelsea vs Barcelona: A Tactical Overview

Chelsea and Barcelona have had a controversial rivalry in the champions league over the years. This year again in the round of 16, these two teams collide for a spot in the quarter finals.

The reigning Champions of England are not having a season they expected it to be, they are fourth in the league and have just made it to the quarter finals of the FA Cup. Chelsea were knocked out by Arsenal in the League Cup Semi- Finals. What looked like a perfect match, after guiding the team from London to the premier league title, Antonio Conte has found himself in a difficult position this season.

Barcelona on the other hand are soaring high. They are unbeaten in the league and hold a seven point edge over Athletico Madrid who are placed second. They are also in the Copa Del Rey Final. Ernesto Valverde has been the man behind the revival, and now he focuses on getting back the Champions League from Real Madrid.

The contest over the two legs will be full of individual and tactical battles that would determine the fate of both the teams.

Eden Hazard vs Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti

Eden Hazard in actioin against West Bromwich Albion, in the Premier League.

The Belgian Winger has been in top form this season, he already has 15 goals and 4 assists to his name this season. He has been instrumental for Chelsea, and has given a lot of defenders a tough time on the left wing.

The winger has been full of pace, energy, skills and has given a lot of memorable performances for Chelsea in the last few years. The current Chelsea team is built in a manner, which lets him play his game. Hazard has been one of those players who gives Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. a run for their money when it comes to dribbling.

Gerard Pique against Valencia in the Copa Del Rey.

Gerard Pique has always been rock solid in defense for the team from Catalonia and has established himself as one of the best center backs of the world. Samuel Umtiti proved to be one of the best signings last season and since Carles Puyol retired, is part of the first solid defensive partnership Barcelona has seen in the last few years.

The next challenge is the sublime attack of Chelsea, which is led by Eden Hazard.

It would be a riveting contest to see how they tackle the Chelsea attack over the two legs, both home and away.

N'Golo Kante vs Sergio Busquets

N'Golo Kante beating his marker versus Watford.

This is the battle between the two best holding midfielders of the world currently. Both Kante and Busquets have been players who do not get enough credit for their consistent performances in their respective leagues.

N'Golo Kante is probably the best box to box midfielder currently. His athleticism, intelligence, versatility, and ability to read the game earned him the player of the season award last season. He is known for his defensive ball winning abilities, and his energy all throughout the ninety minutes.

His impressive impact for Chelsea, made us realize how important he was for Leicester, when they won the premier league in 2016. Not only does he have defensive abilities but adds offensively to the team as well. The French International has been an instrumental part of Chelsea's midfield alongside Cesc Fabregas.

Barcelona depend on the Spaniard in midfield

Not many people know what kind of player Sergio Busquets is. The way he dictates the play is phenomenal. His vision to look for a pass as well as block a pass is superb, Barcelona looks like a team without a backbone when he is not in the starting line up.

He is such a gifted player - with his positional intelligence, ball control, vision and accurate passing skills - and controls the game for his team. The best part about his game is how he breaks down the opposition without them even realising it.

It will be a fascinating contest between the two, especially to see how each midfielder helps his team get over the line and a spot in the quarter finals. This will be the first time these two great midfielders will be playing against each other in the Champions League.

Lionel Messi vs the Chelsea Defence

The Argentine came up short last time the two teams met.

It would be really surprising to know that Chelsea is one of those rare teams against whom Lionel Messi has never scored. This still does not stop him from being the main threat Barcelona pose. He has a really good record against English teams in the competition.

He has played 8 games against them, and has failed to score in any of them. He will be looking to alter this stat by scoring against a Chelsea defense which looks unstable.

Chelsea recently conceded 4 goals against Watford and 3 against Bournemouth. These string of results has done psychological damage to the Chelsea defence, even though they did keep two consecutive clean sheets after that.

Still, it will be a daunting task for Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger and Cahil to keep Leo Messi out of the game. David Luiz will miss the first leg due to injury while Marcos Alonso is expected to be back for the game. The defence is relatively young and lacks the experience needed for big games like these but, on their day, they can also keep out any team.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have scored more than 55 goals combined this season.The Argentine Magician along with his partner has been in form this season, and will be looking to get past this Chelsea defense and seal the quarter final draw for Barcelona.

Antonio Conte vs Ernesto Valverde

Antonio Conte watches the game from the sidelines.

Antonio Conte's team has failed to replicate their title winning form this season while Ernesto Valverde has taken Barcelona to new heights. This is a story of two contrasting managers, wanting to lead their team to the quarter finals of the Champions League.

The Chelsea team will most likely start with a 3-4-3 formation, with Fabregas and Kante being the two main midfielders. Moses and Zappacosta/ Alonso will be the wing backs, making the formation look like 5-2-3 defensively.

Hazard will be on the left wing, and Morata will be leading the attack. Conte's teams mostly attack via the wings, but the confusion for him will be whether to start Pedro or Willian on the right wing. The one person they will miss is Diego Costa as they have not been able to replace him. They have strikers like Giroud and Morata but miss the finishing instincts of Costa.

Ernesto Valverde, watches the game vs Espanyol.

Valverde this season has been using a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Rakitic, Iniesta, Busquets and Paulinho supporting Messi and Suarez upfront. The defense has been tight at the back - with Alba, Pique, Umtiti,Roberto and Semedo all doing well.

The dilemma for him will be whether to start Dembele as he adds more pace in the attack. Philippe Coutinho will miss the game as he is cup-tied in the competition.

The fight for the quarter-finals intensifies as both teams gear up for the knockout stages.