Predicted Chelsea XI vs Barcelona as Garnacho decision made and Estevao forces role change

The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's enormous Champions League tie with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca faces some really tough decisions

Chelsea play perhaps their biggest match of the season so far this evening with Barcelona the visitors to Stamford Bridge. Defeat tonight would make it extremely difficult for the Blues to automatically qualify in the top eight of the Champions League league phase.

The west Londoners are currently on seven points ahead of matchday five, after two home wins against Benfica and Ajax, and a draw in Azerbaijan with Qarabag. Their only defeat thus far has come away at Bayern Munich.

On paper, it always looked as if Bayern and Barca were the two toughest challenges for Chelsea in the league phase. A win would be invaluable in terms of the three points, but also for the confidence this young group of players would get by beating a European powerhouse like Barcelona.

Enzo Maresca rested some key players for the win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon, so right now the head coach's squad looks in good shape. With that being said, football.london takes a look at the XI Maresca might field this evening at Stamford Bridge:

Robert Sanchez

The 28-year-old has been Chelsea's starting goalkeeper in three of the four Champions League games so far this season. It is difficult to see a world where Filip Jorgensen starts instead of Sanchez given the opposition and the magnitude of the game.

Malo Gusto

Came on for the final 20-or-so minutes at the weekend to help see out the game. Gusto, who has been in fine form this season, could start at right-back where he is likely to be up against the dangerous Raphinha.

Wesley Fofana

Left out of the squad for the trip to Burnley over the weekend, and given there is no injury, one would assume there is a high chance Fofana will be involved versus Barca. The Frenchman has looked a lot better in recent appearances after taking a while to get going this season.

Trevoh Chalobah

A staple in Maresca's XI at the start of this season. Chalobah and Fofana have shown signs in recent games of forming a solid defensive partnership for the Blues - and they will need to show just that tonight against a dangerous opposition attacking line.

Marc Cucurella

Spoke to Cucurella on Monday afternoon to preview the match against his former club. The Spaniard seems to be relishing the chance to directly come up against one of the world’s best in Lamine Yamal, who is also his international colleague.

Reece James

James was taken off at half-time at Turf Moor on Saturday, perhaps with an eye on Barcelona. The Chelsea captain has shown his ability in the centre of midfield this season and we could see him in there again this evening.

Moises Caicedo

Wasn't even used at Turf Moor. There is no doubt, however, about whether he plays in this one. Chelsea's most important player and he will be crucial if the Blues are to get the job done tonight.

Estevao Willian

Another one who was handed a rest at Burnley. Estevao was about to come on late into the game but when Chelsea scored their second goal, Maresca told the Brazilian to sit back down. Fresh and ready, it is the 18-year-old's opportunity to announce himself on one of the biggest stages in world football.

Enzo Fernandez

Having Caicedo and James in midfield will allow Fernandez to move further up the pitch and slot into the No.10 role. The Argentina international has already scored five goals this season and will be hoping to add to that tally under the lights at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro Neto

Very much doubt it is Jamie Gittens. It could be Alejandro Garnacho, but to fit Estevao in as well, Maresca might be tempted to put Neto on the left-hand side. One of Chelsea's most in-form attacking players with three goals and two assists in his last five league appearances, and the Portugal international will be hoping to showcase his ability on the European stage tonight.

Joao Pedro

All this means Joao Pedro could get a start as the sole No.9, with Liam Delap an option from the bench. One of his quieter days against Burnley at the weekend, but the Brazilian forward has shown strong recent form in front of goal.