Chelsea welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge for a UEFA Champions League conflict because the Blues look to climb into one of many automated spherical of 16 qualification spots.
Chelsea sit in twelfth place, degree on factors with the Blaugrana and desirous to create some separation.
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Nevertheless, it received’t be straightforward for Chelsea.
Not solely will the West Londoners probably begin the sport with out talisman Cole Palmer, however they’re additionally up in opposition to a number of the finest on the planet.
Pedri, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, , and Lamine Yamal are fairly the handful.
However it’s Marcus Rashford that Chelsea have to be extraordinarily cautious of. The Blues know him nicely from his time in England, the place he has been an everyday tormentor.
The on-loan Manchester United ahead has bagged in opposition to the Membership World Cup champions.
His last two targets in opposition to the Blues got here within the 2019/20 EFL Cup marketing campaign when he spearheaded United previous Chelsea within the fourth spherical.
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Rashford can be within the type of his life, having recorded six targets and 9 assists in 16 appearances this season, bouncing again from a torrid 2024/25 marketing campaign.
Whereas the Blues discover methods to manage the opposite threats, particularly the much-discussed Yamal, Rashford is somebody they should consistently watch and comprise.
Malo Gusto, Reece James, and Pedro Neto should discover methods to maintain him in examine at Stamford Bridge, or he could possibly be the underrated dangerman on the night time.
Finally, this can be a night time the place Chelsea have to be near excellent.
Barcelona deliver star energy and swagger, but it surely’s Rashford’s direct working and precision that would tilt the competition.
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If the Blues can restrict his affect, handle Yamal’s aptitude, and keep disciplined with out Palmer, they offer themselves a puncher’s probability.
However lose focus for even a second, and the on-loan ahead might punish them once more.
For a aspect determined to climb the desk, containing Rashford isn’t only a element, it could outline Chelsea’s complete European night time.