Chelsea, Barcelona
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Enzo Maresca is likely to field a rotated side in Saturday's match against Burnley, with the upcoming Champions League clash with Barcelona in mind.
Across their seven meetings, Chelsea have won just one game -- the first leg of the semifinal in 2024. Thursday's meeting will be unique as it's the first time the two sides will meet in a non-knockout setting. While the stakes are compartively low, it's unlikely the intensity will be.
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Chelsea prove themselves fully capable of going toe-to-toe with UEFA Women's favorites Barcelona
Then again, if Chelsea continue to perform at this level, they need not worry too much about that. They will get the points needed for a top-four finish and a swift passage to the quarterfinals. What will matter is the statement sent to Barcelona.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer has fractured his toe after an "accident" at home and will not be available for the next three fixtures.
Neto also requested to be taken off after scoring Chelsea’s third goal at Stamford Bridge in their final game before the international break. Originally selected for Portugal duty, he dropped out of their squad before World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia with a groin issue.
The restart of club football after the international break brings Barcelona manager Hansi Flick everything he could have asked for, in a sporting and psychological sense.The reopening of the Spotify