Chelsea head into their highly anticipated meeting with Barcelona with renewed confidence, boosted by the return of teenage sensation Estevão Willian. After being rested in their previous outing, the young attacker is expected to play a significant role in the Blues’ tactical setup as they look to navigate one of the toughest fixtures on their schedule.

With both teams eager to assert dominance on the big stage, Chelsea’s predicted lineup reflects a balance of youthful energy and experienced control—key ingredients for competing against a side known for technical precision and relentless possession play.

Estevão’s Return Adds Spark in Attack

The Brazilian prodigy has quickly become one of Chelsea’s most exciting talents, and his return offers manager Enzo Maresca an extra dimension in the final third. His pace, direct running, and creativity between the lines could be crucial in breaking through Barcelona’s defensive structure.

Estevão’s versatility also gives Chelsea flexibility. He can operate on either wing or drift centrally, which allows the manager to adjust the team’s shape mid-game depending on Barcelona’s pressing intensity.

Expected Formation: 4-3-3 With Dynamic Front Three

Chelsea are likely to stay with the familiar 4-3-3, a system that has provided stability in recent weeks. The formation gives them numerical presence in midfield while allowing wide players to stretch the pitch—an effective strategy against Barcelona’s possession-based approach.

Predicted XI

Goalkeeper:

• The first-choice keeper is expected to retain his spot, offering composure and ball distribution from the back.

Defence:

• A stable back four with two attack-minded full-backs who can support transitions.

• Central defenders will need to maintain discipline, especially against Barcelona’s fluid forward play.

Midfield:

• Chelsea’s trio could include a defensive anchor, a box-to-box runner, and a creative playmaker—ensuring balance between protection and progression.

• Maintaining compact lines between midfield and defence will be vital to limit Barcelona’s passing lanes.

Attack:

• Estevão is expected to feature on the right wing, bringing energy and unpredictability.

• The central striker will look to exploit spaces between Barcelona’s centre-backs.

• The left flank may be occupied by a more possession-oriented winger, offering a calmer outlet during build-up.

Key Battles to Watch

Estevão vs. Barcelona’s Left Side

The teenager’s duel with Barcelona’s left-back could be one of the defining elements of the match. His ability to take on defenders and force mismatches may be Chelsea’s biggest attacking weapon.

Midfield Control

Whichever side dominates midfield will likely dictate the rhythm. Chelsea will need to press smartly, avoiding the traps Barcelona typically set to draw opponents out of shape.

Transition Moments

Chelsea’s success may come down to how effectively they counter. With Estevão back, the Blues can transition from defence to attack at speed—an area where Barcelona have shown vulnerability in past meetings.

Final Thoughts

With Estevão back at full freshness and Chelsea showing improved cohesion, the matchup against Barcelona promises high-quality football and tactical intrigue. The Blues have the firepower and structure to compete, but they will need discipline, energy, and clinical finishing to come out on top.

Whether Estevão starts or comes in as an impact substitute, his presence alone elevates Chelsea’s attacking threat—making this one of the most anticipated fixtures of their campaign so far.