Champions League: Chelsea’s goal rush important ahead of Barcelona clash

WATFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates scoring the first Chelsea goal with Cesar Azpilicueta during the Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road on February 5, 2018 in Watford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates scoring the first Chelsea goal with Cesar Azpilicueta during the Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road on February 5, 2018 in Watford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Chelsea has done well to gain enough, speed and confidence, in preparation for their Champions League draw against Barcelona.

Two Mondays ago, one ill-judged the work of Antonio Conte and the possibilities of Chelsea’s campaign, following their Premier League winning season. With the title over the horizon, and beyond Conte’s eyesight – Chelsea try to gain speed in other competitions, trying to end the season without going trophy-less.

Their Premier League ignominy was followed by a semi final exit in the Carabao Cup. Knowing the importance of the silverware needed for any of the top-six clubs – makes their exit from the tournament, a tough pill to swallow.

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However, knowing the gauntlet the Blues face in coming days, and over the next month, it could be a blessing in a disguise. If Conte’s team had made the finals of the Carabao Cup – they’d face Man City in back-to-back fixtures, a week apart from each other.

No team could withstand consecutive fixtures against Pep’s, Man City.

It would’ve weighed heavier on the Italian manager’s shoulders. Thankfully, in a strange way – he could be happy about his Carabao Cup exit.

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Has Chelsea hit a spike in form?

I happen to think so. The one and only reason teams like, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Man United, look as if they doing poorly. Is because of Pep’s team doing so brilliantly, well this season.

The Blues have managed to make it two wins in as many games, across all competitions. Afore Chelsea’s two-game hot streak – they managed two losses, in successive games against teams who should have felt the wrath of the Blues.

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During these four games – eight goals were scored, and seven goals were conceded. Stretching further than those four fixtures – you’ll notice, Conte’s team conceded nine and put by sixteen – in their last seven outings.

Basically, pointing out the run hasn’t been too bad, and scoring 16 goals counts tremendously in the Stamford Bridge side’s favour. Over four games it appears gloomy and depressing, but looking further back – Chelsea appear to be on track.

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Hazard, and because of recent form, Willian, will be key to their home success, come Tuesday. Scoring first, vital. Keeping a clean sheet as they did prior to Tuesday’s headliner, imperative! Chances of them collecting a win against Barcelona, inside Stamford Bridge, extremely high!

Conte can set up for a second leg well in his team’s favour. They’ve proved the La Liga giants to be human and beatable once before – they can easily do it again – with the right attitude and mindset.