Chelsea vs. Barcelona: 5 Bold Predictions for Chelsea's Champions League Tilt

In 2009, 11 Chelsea players witnessed Andres Iniesta crush their hopes for a consecutive appearance in the final of the Champions League. This year, eight of those Chelsea players have the chance to return the favour.

It is the kind of mouth-watering rematch fans usually dream of.

With the entire football world waiting eagerly in anticipation, here are five bold predictions for the encounter.

Didier Drogba Will Terrorize Barcelona's Defense Again

Didier Drogba is one of the Chelsea players most relishing this match.

His actions in 2009 garnered much criticism, and he will be out to have his say on the pitch this time.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has hinted at starting Drogba after resting him for several games leading up to the semifinal clash.

And following his strong performance against Spurs in the FA Cup semifinal, there is very little doubt that Didier will lead the attack for Chelsea.

Barcelona are definitely the best team in the world, and the finesse they bring to football is remarkable, but when it comes to the physical game, not too many would vote against Chelsea's No. 11 out-muscling the Catalan defense and causing them a few problems.

How Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol decide to deal with the Ivorian could prove to be a decisive factor during the tie.

Chelsea Will Score from a Set Piece

The Blues have not been at their best this season, but their aerial threat has not deserted them yet.

Chelsea's second-leg tie against Napoli showed just how dangerous they can be from set pieces and aerial attacks.

And considering that Barcelona will dominate the game on the ground, the London club will undoubtedly resort to aerial lobs for Didier Drogba to feed off of before too long in the game. 

With respect to set pieces, Chelsea boast an impressive list of names capable of scoring. John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz and Drogba are all capable of heading home from corners and free kicks.

Messi Will Fail to Score Against the Blues

When Chelsea held Barcelona to a goalless draw at Camp Nou in 2009, the Catalans complained of over-aggressive tackling on behalf of the Chelsea players and physical intimidation on the pitch.

This time around, you can expect more of the same.

The Stamford Bridge club will look to assert themselves with meaty challenges and strong tackles to shake Barcelona off their game.

And the Spanish giants will once again experience the intense physical nature of the Premier League. That's why Lionel Messi, in particular, will be stifled.

The Blues are sure to mark Messi's every move on the pitch and squeeze all the space around him.

The little Argentinean is almost certainly going to be on the wrong side of a few heavy challenges, and the fact that he has not been able to slot in a goal against Chelsea in any of their recent meetings proves that the Blues are capable of silencing the best in the world. 

Chelsea Will Struggle to Last the Entire 90 Minutes

With the games coming thick and fast for Chelsea, being hit by the fatigue factor is inevitable.

The Blues have already shown signs of tired legs during several games in the Premier League.

Having just played Tottenham on Sunday, as well as having Arsenal to come, they are not going to be in the best physical condition while taking on the reigning champions.

Add that to the fact they will spend most of the game constantly pressing Barcelona's midfield, and you have a situation where John Terry's men are likely to be out of steam by the final third of the match.

How they handle the situation, as well as how much pressure the Catalans impose in attack toward the end of each tie, could decide which team advances to the final.

The Tie Will Be Decided on Away Goals

Every time these two sides have come together, it has turned out to be an explosive contest, with first-leg results not giving either manager much comfort, irrespective of the scoreline. 

Going into this tie, Chelsea are being labelled the underdogs. This could very well help ease pressure on the players, who otherwise are always carrying the burden of being expected to win the Champions League.

Although Chelsea face the second leg away, they could hold an advantage when it comes to knowing exactly what they need to do in order to make an appearance in Munich.

Considering the magnificence of Barcelona, is it safe to say that Chelsea are in over their heads? Or can England's only representative in the Champions League this season shock the entire football world?

Perhaps they snatch a late winner and break Barcelona hearts to avenge that unforgettable night at Stamford Bridge on May 6, 2009.

One thing for certain is that anything can happen in a cup tie.