The Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern will be hoping that Antonio Conte can mastermind a way around Barcelona tonight and progress through to the quarter-finals, as unlikely as it may seem right now. 

Chelsea haven’t enjoyed the best of years so far, having dropped out of the top-four and in poor form of late, so a match away against Barcelona is probably not the greatest game to be heading into, so says our barman. Still, the Blues do have some fond memories of the Camp Nou.

The Blues brushed aside Crystal Palace at the weekend and will be hoping that the win may lift the spirits within the dressing room, as a game of this proportion needs everyone on point. Conte has some tough decisions to make, and while our regulars argue over formations and best options, the Italian has to make sure he gets it right on the night.

In recent weeks, Conte has preferred Olivier Giroud up front. However, our landlord believes that the Frenchman would be better suited as an impact player tonight and he should opt for one of these TWO attacking options instead…

Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata is really struggling as of late for goals and form, however, a match in Spain against his former bitter rivals may be the kick start he needs to end his season with a bang and fire the Blues into the top-four.

Morata will have a point to prove and will not be wanting to give up his starting spot to the newly acquired Frenchman. A big game performance and a goal would be the perfect message to send to Conte.

Eden Hazard

Chelsea had a little luck playing the false nine in the first leg, and it’s been a tactic of Conte’s to use this year with the Belgian playing the role however much he doesn’t like to. With this formation, Conte has the flexibility to change formation later in the game if things are not going his way, with both Morata and the nuisance in the box Giroud on the bench.

This may be a smart way to start the game and, assess as the match goes on.