Jamie Redknapp makes Eden Hazard prediction for Chelsea v Barcelona
Ex-midfielder Jamie Redknapp doesn't believe Chelsea will get past Barcelona in the Champions League last 16
Jamie Redknapp believes Eden Hazard will be desperate to prove his talent when Chelsea take on Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 in February.
The Belgium international has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League over the past few seasons.
Hazard scored 30 goals in both of the west London side’s title-winning seasons under Jose Mourinho and then Antonio Conte.
The 26-year-old won the PFA Premier League player of the year in 2015 to prompt talk of a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid on a regular basis.
Hazard has scored eight goals and has made four assists in 20 appearances in all competitions in the 2017-18 season so far.
Chelsea paid the price for finishing behind AS Roma in their group to draw La Liga leaders Barcelona in the round of 16.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Redknapp believes Barcelona will get the better of defending Premier League champions Chelsea in the knockout stage.
“Chelsea have paid the price for finishing second,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
“This is still a game they can win, especially with Eden Hazard in great form.
“He will want to prove he can do it at the absolute highest level. Barcelona are not the same prospect they were a few years ago but will be favourites.”
Chelsea will be looking to win their first Champions League crown since 2012 when the Blues edged to a penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich.
The Blues lost to Manchester United in the Champions League final in 2008 after John Terry and Nicolas Anelka missed key penalties.
