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Preview: Barcelona vs. Chelsea

Preview: Barcelona vs. Chelsea
© PA Photos
Chelsea head to Barcelona looking tomorrow night looking to inflict a third straight defeat on their hosts. Here, Sports Mole examines the Blues' chances of reaching the Champions League final.

Barcelona have not lost three matches in a row since early 2003 when they were defeated by Valencia, Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid.

However, a Chelsea victory in the Nou Camp tomorrow night will see Barca suffer the same fate that they did nine years ago, having recently lost to the Blues and rivals Real Madrid.

The home side are expected to be boosted by the return of centre-back Gerard Pique from a thigh injury, meaning that Javier Mascherano is likely to drop down to the bench.

Meanwhile, visiting Chelsea, who are heading to Spain defending a 1-0 lead, have fitness doubts over David Luiz and Didier Drogba.

The latter of that duo is the more likely to be passed fit to play, although Fernando Torres remains on standby to lead the Chelsea line.

Chelsea's last three trips to Barcelona have ended in a draw, which would be enough to see them advance through to next month's final in Munich.

Current form:

Barcelona: WWWWLL
Chelsea: WWDWWD

Possible lineups:

Barcelona: Valdes; Adriano, Pique, Puyol, Alves; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez

Chelsea: Cech; Cole, Cahill, Terry, Ivanovic; Mikel, Ramires, Lampard, Meireles, Mata; Drogba

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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Written by
Liam Apicella

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