Global pressure mounts on Israel as Gaza death toll surges, war deepens    Egypt targets 7.7% AI contribution to GDP by 2030: Communications Minister    Irrigation Minister highlights Egypt's water challenges, innovation efforts at DAAD centenary celebration    Egypt discusses strengthening agricultural ties, investment opportunities with Indian delegation    Al-Sisi welcomes Spain's monarch in historic first visit, with Gaza, regional peace in focus    Cairo governor briefs PM on Khan el-Khalili, Rameses Square development    El Gouna Film Festival's 8th edition to coincide with UN's 80th anniversary    Egypt's gold prices fall on Wednesday    Egypt expands medical, humanitarian support for Gaza patients    Egypt condemns Israeli offensive in Gaza City, warns of grave regional consequences    Cairo University, Roche Diagnostics inaugurate automated lab at Qasr El-Ainy    Egypt investigates disappearance of ancient bracelet from Egyptian Museum in Tahrir    Egypt launches international architecture academy with UNESCO, European partners    Egypt signs MoUs with 3 European universities to advance architecture, urban studies    Egypt's Sisi, Qatar's Emir condemn Israeli strikes, call for Gaza ceasefire    Egypt condemns terrorist attack in northwest Pakistan    Egyptian pound ends week lower against US dollar – CBE    Egypt hosts G20 meeting for 1st time outside member states    Egypt to tighten waste rules, cut rice straw fees to curb pollution    Egypt seeks Indian expertise to boost pharmaceutical industry    Egypt prepares unified stance ahead of COP30 in Brazil    Egypt harvests 315,000 cubic metres of rainwater in Sinai as part of flash flood protection measures    Al-Sisi says any party thinking Egypt will neglect water rights is 'completely mistaken'    Egyptian, Ugandan Presidents open business forum to boost trade    Egypt's Sisi, Uganda's Museveni discuss boosting ties    Egypt's Sisi warns against unilateral Nile measures, reaffirms Egypt's water security stance    Greco-Roman rock-cut tombs unearthed in Egypt's Aswan    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Preview: Last chance game for Chelsea players against Barca
Published in FilGoal on 06 - 05 - 2009

Chelsea enter the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona with hopes of reaching the competition's final for the second successive season.
The Blues' resilient defence secured them a goalless draw at Nou Camp in the tie's first leg last week, and they now have the chance to make up for losing last year's final against Manchester United.
Manager Guus Hiddink believes that Wednesday's return leg is a final opportunity for many of his players to win the world's top club competition.
"These players don't have five, six, seven years more to have the same chances they've had in recent years," the Dutchman said.
"This is one of the last occasions for these players to get where they want to be."
Chelsea's squad is full of aging players as Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Didier Drogba, Juliano Belletti and Ricardo Carvalho are all above the 30-year-old mark.
Squad Changes
A solid display from Jose Bosingwa at left-back played a great role in paralysing Barca's wonder kid Lionel Messi at Nou Camp.
However, regular left-back Ashley Cole is now back from suspension and Hiddink might swap Bosingwa to the right flank in place of Branislav Ivanovic.
Drogba played as a lone striker in the first leg, but could be accompanied by the duo of Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka, or Malouda and Salomon Kalou.

Hiddink
Unlike his English opponents, Barca coach Josep Guardiola won't have the same luxury of choice as Hiddink.
The Catalans have centre-backs Rafael Marquez and Carles Puyol out for injury and suspension respectively. Forward Thierry Henry is unlikely to play due to a knee knock.
Midfielder Andres Iniesta is expected to be pushed forward to join Samuel Eto'o and Messi up front.
Confidence
Guardiola doesn't seem to be worried with such absentees, as he is confident his team will be in their best shape for the clash.
"I'm not worried one bit about not having Puyol and Marquez. Whoever I put in will compete, will fight and will go good job," the former Barcelona skipper said.
Uruguayan Martin Caceres is likely to deputize alongside Gerard Pique in Barcelona's back line.
The Blaugrana physically struggled against Chelsea in the first leg, and Guardiola is convinced that the second leg should be taken on with a different approach.
"We won't go out to clash, because they're stronger than us, we will clash little and attack fast. If we try to challenge their physical style it will play into their hands.
"We won't avoid confrontation, but we know that is one of their big strengths and we need to use our own style of play if we are to get through," he added.
Barcelona are looking to reach their first Champions League final in three years, after the last won the competition in 2006 under the guidance of Frank Rijkaard.


Clic here to read the story from its source.