Evening all, and welcome to a fixture which needs no introduction!

Eden Hazard says he doesn't mind where he plays, and anyway there's lots of running about once the game starts. He's right, of course, I just think that Chelsea need another man to clutter up midfield.

When these two teams met in 2005, Ronaldinho scored that goal. Here's something to read on that, should you fancy.

As for Barcelona, they line up as expected. In Samuel Umtiti, they have a centre-back who might just go on to become the world's best, and in front of him, Sergio Busquets already is. I remember before the 2009 final, an injury at the back meant that Yaya Toure had to fill in there, so Busquets took Toure's place. As someone in Rome to watch Manchester United, I was encouraged by this development. Ahahahahahaha. Anyway, in front of him, Paulinho has brought much-needed power and aggression to Rakitic's craft, and Messi is Messi. It's possible that Bayern or Madrid could do enough over two legs to play him out, but he's too much for any of the English teams as far as I can see.

The other things about Chelsea is that once upon a time, they had a defence reliable enough to allow them to cede possession, as they'll be doing tonight, and get it done. I don't see that with their current lot, though Azpilicueta is good and Christensen is promising.

In general circumstances, perhaps Christensen would step forward, but with Suarez to look after? I don't know. What's also worth noting is that Hazard is playing through the middle, which tells you a bit about what Conte thinks of his other options - though I can see what he's trying to do. Willian and Pedro give speed on the break, and if Hazard has a good night, you want him in the middle of the pitch.

Wow, that Chelsea XI. How on earth are they planning to get the ball? Two in central midfield, one of whom is Fabregas, against Barcelona's three plus Iniesta. I can't see how Chelsea don't get beaten here.

Right then, teams!

If you can tolerate the narration, this will fill you in.

Only joking. But Chelsea v Barcelona is probably the classic fixture of the Champions League era, from the thrilling quarter-final of 2000 through to the staggering semi of 2012. If tonight is anything like the standard, we're in for a treat.