Barcelona vs Chelsea: Predicting a Barça Starting XI to Earn a Trip to Munich

In the past two matches, Barcelona has been out-gutted, out-witted, and defeated.

The loss to Chelsea in the first leg of the semi-final could have been written off to a certain extent since Barça seemed to get unlucky, missing chances and conceding to the Blues' only shot on target.

However, after another host of chances went begging and a couple of goals were conceded at home to Real Madrid, a hint of concern has been injected at the Nou Camp ahead of the all-important second leg against Chelsea.

Is it just a couple of hard matches meeting with a bit of a lull in form, or is a change needed?

This is the huge question hanging over Pep Guardiola's head entering the match.

Without further ado, here is what I think Pep should do in the form of my choices for the starting XI to get the job done against Chelsea.

GK: Victor Valdes

Valdes is clearly the best option in net for the Blaugrana.

He has proved his ability over the past few seasons, ever-present in helping Barca get to the height they have reached.

Now, he has been clearly outplayed over the past two matches, making less impressive saves than his counterpart.

However, that was against an in-form Petr Cech and the amazing Iker Casillas.

With all due respect, Pinto doesn't pose the same threat as those two.

LB: Carles Puyol

Puyol's pace has been flagging in recent seasons, making his role at full-back seem a bit ill-advised.

However, with Abidal out and Adriano being the weak-link in the past few matches, he is the best option.

Furthermore, with Pique's return, the centre-back position is not one of absolute need.

With Puyol playing at full-back, however, there is more of a chance that the Barça defense will stay back and defend, a necessity given the impact a Chelsea away goal would have on the tie.

CB: Javier Mascherano

With Pique's return, Mascherano may be the clear choice to sit on the bench for the match.

However, the Argentine has been relatively solid at centre-back the past two matches while left-back Adriano has been less than stellar.

Hence, shifting players around to cover up short-comings is the best option and would result in a start for Masch.

CB: Gerard Pique

What has become abundantly clear over the past two matches is that Gerard Pique was missed in the centre-half position.

Reports claim that he will return for the Blaugrana on Tuesday, bringing with him some much-needed size in the back for Barça.

Hopefully these reports are true and there is not a rift between the defender and Pep that is forcing him out of the side.

RB: Dani Alves

Alves may have been kept relatively quiet by Fabio Coentrão against Madrid, but he was a threat against Chelsea last week.

His solid defense and effectively aggressive play make him a lock to start.

LM: Andres Iniesta

Iniesta has been a great player for Barcelona and Spain and one of the most creative midfielders in the world.

He created a few amazing chances for Barça in both of the past two matches and even had a few for himself.

His ability to set up his teammates for goal-scoring opportunities makes him an obvious choice for this and any team in the world.

Pep will be hoping that his teammates take him up on those chances this time.

CM: Sergio Busquets

Busquets' role as the defensive midfielder on Barça cannot be overstated.

He has the ability to move forward, create opportunities, and win fouls, but is most needed to help out the back four when needed and almost serve as a third centre-back when needed.

With so much riding on not conceding an away goal, his place is assured.

RM: Xavi

Pep's move to take Xavi off early against Real Madrid was clearly to save his legs for this important clash.

Xavi's ability to pass accurately and even to get into scoring positions (see his first half chance against Madrid) makes him one of the best players in the world.

It would be insane to leave him on the bench.

LF: Alexis Sanchez

Alexis should have fresh legs for Barça.

He came on for only 20 minutes against Madrid, but scored the Blaugrana's lone goal within moments of his arrival.

In fact, he created a clear chance for Barça against Chelsea last week when he hit the bar.

He should not lose his place to the young depth for Barcelona in Tello, Cuenca, or Pedro.

CF: Cesc Fabregas

Cesc is another forward who should be rested for this match-up, as he started from the bench and only came on for ten minutes against Madrid.

The Spaniard came so close to scoring in the first leg, as his chip over Petr Cech was cleared off the line by Ashley Cole.

Given his abilities and the fact that the competition for his position are all so young, Fabregas should be right in the centre of the Barça attack come Tuesday.

RF: Lionel Messi

It's Messi.

Enough said.

Let's just hope he doesn't pick up another slight knock in this leg of the tie.