Just two more games in Champions League, this season. From the beginning Man.Utd. and Barca are the biggest favorites, already seen in Rome. United submited their superiority, easily wining on Emirates, tonight audience expect same from Barca. I'll try to explain why I think it won't happen. So...
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Chelsea didn't have a good rating to conquer CL in Scolari era, but when Hiddink took a charge, everything changed, players are full of self-confidence, play tactically perfect, even returning in race for title in Premier. Chelsea made a very good result at Camp Nou. They played tough, ruining Barca's style of play with a lots of tackles and fouls, waiting for their chance. Home side was furious on referee who allowed Chelsea to play like that and they're surely not happy with decision to Norwegian referee Tom Henning Øvrebø will be in charge tonight. I think Chelsea will play the same, will not attack too much and risk to concede from counter-attack. Stamford Bridge is a little smaller pitch, another advantage for home side. In the previous meeting, Mourinho got an idea, even to make a pitch wet, to make harder for Barca. :) Chelsea will wait for some free, or corner kicks when their players are physically superior. Some injury problems. Carvalho is out (plus, I think), but the problem can be potentially missing of Alex. Ashley Cole is back and will go on left side, while Bosingva take the right. Maybe Ivanovic will go at his nature position of centre back. Chelsea haven't lost their last 17 European games on Stamford.
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Barca came in London in a good mood, after they trashed Real on Bernabeu. But, it happens when You leave enough space to Barca's magicians. They accept the ball on 30 metres from opposite goal, then look around, make a dribble, pass, or some combination and that's the way how Barca likes to play. But the problem is English clubs who don't allow that. Guardiola talk about decadent football (???!!!). No, let them to make a fools from You. In the last four European seasons, Barca once won the competition, other three times was eliminated from English clubs. They talk how they didn't have enough luck. What about Drogba's missing? Guardiola has two big problems. Puyol and Marques are out (long time injured Millito, too), Henry is in doubt. So Pique and young Caceres will try to stop Chelsea's attackers. Hm...
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My reasons for Chelsea, in this order. 1.English style of play against Spanish, 2. Hiddink against Guardiola (Btw. I still can't figure it out why he changed Eto'o in the first game, instead injured Henry.), 3. Barca's defence, 4. Unreal odds for a home win. Enough for a bet. Pinnacle offers 2.87, Expekt 2.80. Home win!
