Chelsea vs Barcelona: A Tactical Overview

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.