Sonia Bompastor tweaked her team's tactics after last season's heavy aggregate loss to these opponents in the Champions League semi-final

Enzo Maresca is likely to field a rotated side in Saturday's match against Burnley, with the upcoming Champions League clash with Barcelona in mind.

Chelsea suffer a major blow as Cole Palmer’s fractured toe rules him out of key Barcelona and Arsenal fixtures, extending his injury-hit season and leaving Enzo Maresca reshuffling plans once again

The midfielder will miss games against Burnley, Barcelona and Arsenal, having not played for the London club since September 20.

Then again, if Chelsea continue to perform at this level, they need not worry too much about that. They will get the points needed for a top-four finish and a swift passage to the quarterfinals. What will matter is the statement sent to Barcelona.

Preview of Chelsea vs Barcelona on Matchday Five of the 2025-26 Champions League. Watch the Champions League on DAZN - US, CA & NZ

Across their seven meetings, Chelsea have won just one game -- the first leg of the semifinal in 2024. Thursday's meeting will be unique as it's the first time the two sides will meet in a non-knockout setting. While the stakes are compartively low, it's unlikely the intensity will be.

Neto also requested to be taken off after scoring Chelsea’s third goal at Stamford Bridge in their final game before the international break. Originally selected for Portugal duty, he dropped out of their squad before World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia with a groin issue.