Chelsea welcome Barcelona to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League
Champions League football is back in west London as Chelsea renew a long standing rivalry with Barcelona. Both sides go into tonight's clash with the same record after four games of this season's League Phase, though the LaLiga giants are one place above the Blues in the 36-team table by virtue of a slightly superior goal difference.
Enzo Maresca's side, however, have won both of their home games in Europe so far and are seeking to bolster hopes of a top-eight finish by beating Barca for the first time since 2012. Despite taking part in full training on Monday, Cole Palmer is expected to sit this one out.
The Blaugrana have also been dealt a huge blow with influential midfielder Pedri not able to travel with the squad to the capital, but Marcus Rashford is back in England after recovering from illness and could start in attack alongside wonderkid Lamine Yamal. Follow the Chelsea vs Barcelona LIVE below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith and Sam Tabuteau at Stamford Bridge!
Chelsea vs Barcelona latest news
Chelsea vs Barcelona prediction
These two sides are separated by goal difference only in the Champions League and both now sit second in their respective domestic leagues, albeit with Barcelona having amassed eight more points having played one game extra.
Both teams have been curiously inconsistent in Europe so far despite their encouraging starts at home, needing to work hard earlier this month to avoid shock defeats by Qarabag and Brugge.
We anticipate a tense and cagey affair on Tuesday that likely ends all square.
Draw, 1-1.
Barcelona team news: Rashford available
Marcus Rashford is included in Barcelona’s travelling squad having resumed training in the aftermath of a bout of flu that forced him to miss the win over Athletic Club.
Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia both returned in that game, while Alejandro Balde went off at half-time as a precaution but does make the trip.
The visit to Chelsea comes too soon for Pedri, with Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remaining long-term absentees.
Chelsea team news: Palmer absent
Chelsea remain without Cole Palmer, whose imminent return from a persistent groin injury that has bothered him all season was delayed after he fractured the little toe on his left foot after stubbing a door in a freak accident at home last week.
Enzo Maresca confirmed on Monday that Palmer was back training with a specially adapted boot and “feeling good”, though won’t play against Barcelona and remains a doubt for Sunday’s showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
AFP via Getty Images
How to watch
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage begins at 6.30pm GMT.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Chelsea correspondent Dom Smith at the ground.
Chelsea vs Barcelona live
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Barcelona!
Can Chelsea maintain their recent good form? Enzo Maresca's side are bidding to record a third straight win across all competitions but are up against the reigning LaLiga champions.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm GMT from Stamford Bridge. Stick with us!