Charlie Nicholas states his prediction for FC Barcelona v Chelsea FC
Charlie Nicholas looks ahead to Chelsea FC's trip to FC Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night
Charlie Nicholas is backing FC Barcelona to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League by claiming a 3-0 victory over Chelsea FC on Wednesday night.
The Blues head into the crunch clash at Camp Nou looking to try and cause an upset and book their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last month, as Lionel Messi cancelled out Willian’s opener in west London.
Chelsea FC have been struggling to find consistent form in the top flight in recent weeks but they returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace.
However, Arsenal legend Nicholas is not expecting to see Chelsea FC cause an upset on Wednesday and he is tipping the Blues to be knocked out by the Spanish giants.
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Nicholas said: “Chelsea looked decent for some of the game against Crystal Palace when Olivier Giroud was holding the ball up, allowing Willian and Eden Hazard to be found in more advanced areas.
“However, if Conte plays the same way as he did at Manchester City, which I think he might, they will have no joy because they’ll fail to get out of their own half again.
“Barcelona have improved defensively but you can still get at them because of their attacking intent. I think if they’ve got Alvaro Morata or Giroud up top then at least they’ll be able to hold the ball up on a few occasions and give Hazard the chance of getting the ball in areas he can do damage.
“However, I can see him having another frustrating evening, knowing he’s not got the supply or support to show his potential, and will be left day dreaming of playing against Barca for Real Madrid next season.
“Lionel Messi had a nice rest at the weekend to be ready for this one, so I don’t give Chelsea much hope at all.”
Chelsea FC are currently in fifth place in the Premier League table as they look to try and break back into the top four before the season is out.
The Blues are four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool FC as they bid to try and secure a spot in the Champions League for next season.
