Chelsea v Barcelona: Big Match Dossier - Reasons for the Blues to believe...

By Matt Barlow for the Daily Mail

Published: 17:15 EST, 17 April 2012 | Updated: 17:15 EST, 17 April 2012

Roberto di Matteo admits this is the biggest test of the Chelsea revival he has orchestrated but there is a confidence within the club that they are as well-equipped as any team to push the European champions.

There are reasons to believe. For a start, they are unbeaten in five games against Barcelona, stretching back to February 2006, no team has defended the trophy in the Champions League era, and - for all his goal feats - Lionel Messi has yet to score against Chelsea.

Reason to be cheerful? Lionel Messi (left) has never scored against Chelsea

Reason to be cheerful? Lionel Messi (left) has never scored against Chelsea

PRESS BUT PRESS RIGHT

'It's imperative to play a pressing game,' said Frank Lampard. 'We have a game-plan to attack them but the main thing is a sense of urgency in your defenders. Give them time and they will hurt you.'

It could mean another start for Salomon Kalou after his defensive work keeping Kyle Walker quiet in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

He could minimise the threat of Dani Alves, who has provided more assists for Messi this season than anyone else.

Hard night ahead: Frank Lampard says Chelsea must press Barcelona hard

Hard night ahead: Frank Lampard says Chelsea must press Barcelona hard

KEEP DISCIPLINE

One problem in the recent series of games against Barcelona has been Chelsea's inability to keep 11 on the pitch.

Celestine Babayaro, Asier del Horno and Didier Drogba have been sent off and the referee has been central to the plot more often than not.

'I believe the referee will have a good game,' said Di Matteo when asked about the role of Felix Brych from Germany. 'What happened in the past has gone.'

DD or FT

Di Matteo planned to sleep on his team selection, including who would lead the line.

Threat: Didier Drogba (centre) has bullied Barcelona in the past

Threat: Didier Drogba (centre) has bullied Barcelona in the past

Torres scored seven against Barca in five seasons in Spain but Drogba made his case with another superb display at Wembley on Sunday.

The Chelsea boss will be mindful of the aerial advantage Drogba will have over Javier Mascherano, expected to start at centre half.

SOMETHING TO DEFEND

It is vital that Chelsea are not trailing when they go to the Nou Camp next Tuesday because Guardiola's team are unbeaten at home in 54 games.


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