Emma Hayes’ Chelsea travel to Catalonia, as they look to overcome a one-goal deficit and progress to the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. With over 65,000 fans expected to be in attendance at the Spotify Camp Nou, they’re set to be spurred on by just over one hundred travelling Blues – who’ll feel confident of securing a result against a weakened Barcelona side.
Caroline Graham Hansen’s opener was the only goal in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, though both sides could easily have found the back of the net on multiple occasions. Emma Hayes has an extremely depleted squad to choose from though, with just nineteen players making the trip – including Fran Kirby, who isn’t fit enough to feature.
Team News
Chelsea are once again without Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan – so we’re expecting Maren Mjelde to fill in at centre back alongside Magdalena Eriksson. Fran Kirby won’t be available for selection either. Emma Hayes’ available squad remains unchanged from the first leg.
As for Barcelona, there’s positive news as Alexia Putellas is set to return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The midfielder offers a lot, and the Blaugrana have been patiently awaiting her return to fitness. However, Jonatan Giráldez’s side will be without Lucy Bronze – she’s undergone keyhole surgery on her knee and will be out for a number of weeks.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: Paños; Rolfö, Mapi León, Paredes, Torreón; Putellas, Walsh, Aitana; Paralluelo, Geyse, Graham
Chelsea: Berger; Carter, Eriksson, Mjelde, Périsset; Cuthbert, Leupolz; Reiten, Cankovic, James; Kerr
Where can I watch?
Kickoff at the Spotify Camp Nou is at 17:45pm UK time on Thursday, 27 April 2023. The game will be shown live on DAZN – and will be free to watch on their YouTube channel. Coverage will be available in both English and Spanish, starting at 17:35pm.
