Chelsea’s upcoming game against Barcelona will bring back mixed memories for a lot of supporters after their multiple past meetings.
The Blues got past Tuesday’s opponents on the way to winning the competition in 2012, although there will still be memories of their controversial elimination in the semi-finals in 2009.
Chelsea’s last five results vs Barcelona
Barcelona 3-0 Chelsea – 14/3/18
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona – 20/2/18
Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea – 24/4/12
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona – 18/4/12
Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona – 6/5/09
Enzo Maresca has already taken the required steps to give his players the best possible chance of succeeding in the crucial group stage match this week, with their hopes of a top eight finish relying on a result.
This included substituting Reece James at half-time of their last Premier League game against Burnley, where the Blues score either side of the break to move up to second.
Burnley v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
Joe Cole admitted he was surprised James was taken off, however the boss clarified that this was always the plan due to the big week in store.
The skipper will be leading his teammates out at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, however The Chelsea Chronicle believe he should not line up at right-back.
Instead, Maresca should look back to the system which saw his side pick up success against PSG in the Club World Cup final, and start James in the heart of midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
This would allow Malo Gusto to also start, with him picking up assists against PSG and Bayern Munich earlier this season in this competition.
Will Chelsea beat Barcelona in the Champions League?
While James’ attacking influence is more limited in this role, there are a number of examples of big games where his position switch has resulted in a positive result for the Blues.
Reece James celebrates with the trophy after Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Chelsea tend to play well when James starts in midfield
As mentioned, Chelsea’s Club World Cup glory came when Maresca decided to start James and Gusto together.
He would frequently crop up in this role in the Conference League too. He made six out of his seven European appearances last season in midfield.
This season, James also started centrally in the win against Tottenham, and the relationship he strikes up with Caicedo and Fernandez makes the move seamless.
While the return to fitness for the England international has started to allow him to contribute regularly in the right-back role, he should be selected in the heart of midfield against Barcelona.