Barcelona face a massive test in Europe on Tuesday night as the Catalans travel to London to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their fifth League Phase match of this season’s Champions League.
Barça are in a tough spot after picking up just seven points from their opening four games, and anything but a win against the reigning Club World Cup champions would make it almost impossible for the _Blaugrana_ to finish in the Top 8 and secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
Barça are getting healthier after a serious injury crisis and Flick will be able to pick a pretty strong side for this one, and we think he’ll start **Ronald Araujo** alongside **Pau Cubarsí** at center-back. **Alejandro Balde** should be good to go after being replaced at halftime as a precaution in the last game, and **Jules Kounde** will retain his spot at right-back after a strong outing at the weekend.
Barça get a massive piece back for this one as **Frenkie de Jong** returns in midfield after serving a suspension at the weekend, and we think he’ll have **Eric Garcia** as a double pivot partner after Eric’s impressive performance as a defensive midfielder against Athletic. That would mean only one of **Fermín López** and Dani Olmo would get the start as the number 10, and Fermín’s amazing form makes it a pretty easy choice for Flick.
**Marcus Rashford** had to miss the game against Athletic through illness but was back in training the following day and should be ready to go for this one. Since Raphinha is not quite ready to start just yet, the Englishman will likely get the nod ahead of Feran Torres on the left wing, with **Robert Lewandowski** leading the line and **Lamine Yamal** starting on the right.
**Possible XI**: Joan; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; Eric, De Jong; Yamal, Fermín, Rashford; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
_How do you think Barcelona should line up against Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!_
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* [Barcelona: UEFA Champions League](/barcelona-uefa-champions-league)