Estevao Set to Spark Chelsea's Battle Against Barcelona After Rest

Seven days following the women's clash in SW6, Chelsea and Barcelona meet again in the fifth matchday of the Champions League league phase, marking their first encounter in over seven years.

The Blues previously harbored deep resentment toward the Catalan club, but their Champions League victories in 2012 and 2021 helped them move past that longstanding animosity.

Currently, Enzo Maresca seeks to guide his team to an impressive European result, having squandered a chance during the opening matchday against Bayern Munich. Chelsea have accumulated seven points since then and are positioned well for a potential top-eight placement, while Hansi Flick's Barcelona appear rejuvenated and harbor their own elevated expectations in this tournament.

The Blues secured a comfortable 2–0 win against Burnley on Saturday, allowing Maresca to give several important players a break ahead of Tuesday's encounter. Here's how Chelsea might set up for Barcelona's arrival.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

GK: Robert Sánchez—Following an early collision with teammate Enzo Fernández during Saturday's match, Sánchez recovered well and secured another shutout before a crucial week for the Blues.

RB: Malo Gusto—The French defender has rotated in and out of the lineup this season, coming on as a substitute on Saturday. It's difficult to predict Maresca's choice for Barcelona's visit, though he might favor deploying Reece James in midfield.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah—While Chelsea face clear defensive challenges, Maresca at least maintains some stability with Chalobah, who has experienced mixed fortunes this campaign.

CB: Benoît Badiashile—Starting Tosin Adarabioyo would be risky here, as Badiashile offers superior athleticism and distribution. His inclusion should help Chelsea maintain possession against a Barcelona side that has struggled defensively this season.

LB: Marc Cucurella—A clash of Spanish national team players awaits on Chelsea's left flank, with Cucurella facing the challenging assignment of containing Lamine Yamal.

CM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo will undoubtedly return to the starting eleven after receiving rest over the weekend. His contributions in midfield will be crucial.

CM: Reece James—Chelsea require creative passers to unlock Barcelona's defense, and James could play a vital role in disrupting the visitors' high defensive line.

RW: Estêvão—The talented Brazilian was also rested at the weekend with upcoming fixtures in mind. Can he outshine Yamal in west London?

AM: Enzo Fernández—The Argentine increased his goal count over the weekend with a clinical finish that's becoming his signature style.

LW: Pedro Neto—Neto's display at Turf Moor might have persuaded Maresca to keep him in the starting lineup. The winger could potentially switch sides to challenge Jules Koundé.

ST: João Pedro—Opportunities will certainly arise for Chelsea's chosen striker on Tuesday, provided their runs are perfectly timed. Maresca might favor Pedro's finesse over the more direct approach of Liam Delap.