CHELSEA have revenge on their mind when Barcelona visit the Bridge tonight – but may have to wait a while to get even.
Last time the Spaniards faced the Blues they reached the 2009 final thanks to a late Andres Iniesta strike.
Chelsea were raging at the refusal of two penalties but this time it's not the ref they should worry about – it's Lionel Messi.
The Argentine ace was a great player then – now he's the best on the planet with an incredible 60 goals to his name this season.
They say football is a team game but Messi can win matches on his own and if he's in the mood it's difficult not to see a Barca win at 8-11 with the likes of William Hill and Paddy Power. To qualify the holders are no bigger than 2-11 at Betfred.
Chelsea will be boosted by the weekend 5-1 defeat of Spurs in the FA Cup Final while Barca may have an eye on Saturday's El Clasico but I'm sticking with the away. The Blues are 5-1 at unibet and bet365 to qualify and 4-1 with William Hill and others to notch a home victory.
One issue that looks cut and dried is that of first scorer. It has to be Messi who is a biggest 3-1 with Stan James and just 5-6 at Coral to score at any time.
He has netted 14 times in this season’s Champions League and needs one more to break the records.
Didier Drogba broke the deadlock at Wembley last weekend and is 10-1 at unibet and BetVictor for a repeat, 10-3 at William Hill to net in 90 minutes.
Only two of the last 14 Champions League semi-final first legs (before last night) have gone over two goals but this one could buck the trend.
Over 2.5 goals pays 17-20 at Ladbrokes and I can see both teams scoring at 4-5 (Skybet).
Super Single
Messi to score
(5-6, Coral)
Bonkers Bet
Chelsea 1, Barcelona 3
(12-1, various)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Was just reading this piece in the record. I also fancy barca but blues are on a high and if their big players turn up as they did against spurs there may be a wee surprise. Im stuck in two minds so i think im gonna go with your view on there being goals. I’m gonna go with your messi tip but gonna chase the higher price and take over 3.5 goals. Congrats again on your super single and treble last night :)
Joe, as I’ve said it all depends on Messi’s mindset. He’s one guy who can win games on his own.
Hope the bonkers bet comes in mr f. Got it with a double with bayern last night! Tenner double. Come on barca!
I honestly think the game could be dull tonight. Chelsea are going out to make sure their physical presence is felt and Barcelona will struggle to get their passing game going as they do at the Nou Camp as the pitch at the Bridge is alot smaller and by all means no where near as slick (maybe intentional on their game). It’s going to be a cagey affair and I think Barcelona will grow frustrated the further the game goes on, i think looking at 0-0 @ 12/1 at BoyleSport for a small punt is worth a shout, remember back to the semi final the year United won it? the whole two legs against Barcelona were decided by a 1-0 and that was a screamer by Paul Scholes in the second leg. Both teams would be happy with not conceding tonight as Chelsea will feel they step closer with just one away goal at the Nou Camp and Barcelona because they know what their capable of doing at their own ground were they average four goals a game. I think if the deadlock is broken tonight it could be just the once and the game could end 1-0 that’s why under 2.5 goals is screaming at me @ 11/10 Ladbrokes.
Tips of the day
Under 2.5 goals @ 11/10 Ladbrokes
Under 1.5 goals @ 31/10 Bet Victor
0-0 @ 12/1 BoyleSport
Badham, I hope you’re wrong coz I’ve got the beers in and looking forward to the game. If it was a one-off I’d pretty certain of Barca but there is always a doubt when a side doesn’t actually need to win the game. However, I can’t see it being 0-0 and I don’t agree with you that it would suit Chelsea because Barca can roll over any side at the Nou Camp. The great thing is no one really knows until the game starts.
Badham if your going to do 0-0 then back no goalscorer instead. It’s the same bet but it covers you incase there is an own goal
Your bonkers bet really is bonkers Paul! As you can guess, I hope you aren’t right! First goal is crucial tonight though! If Barca get it, then Chelsea know they have to chase the game and at very least level the scores on the night! If Barca score within 20mins, then I feel that’s the best chance you have of the 3-1 prediction coming in! I personally won’t be placing a penny on the game, as I’ll be on edge enough as It is!
Exactly Paul at the end of the day everything points towards goals tonight but the two teams with their two systems really could just cancel eachother out, for example Van Der Vaart finding it hard to play 90 minutes since the move from Madrid to Tottenham because the Physical side to the game, the last two English teams Barcelona have played Arsenal and United haven’t got the strength of a Chelsea side currently on form, they’ll have to play well but under 2.5 goals for me tonight. I’ll rephrase that got a bit carried away, I didn’t say it would suit Chelsea 0-0 I said I think both sides would be happy with a 0-0 tonight, Chelsea because they think they could nick an away goal and barca would need two to every one to win and Barcelona because they know what their capable off. Don’t get me wrong im not saying Chelsea will win the tie I’m just going against the crowd in this one and saying that I think it will be a low scoring tie. Chris thanks for that never even thought… Will jump on that, 0-0 is only a small punt.
When was the last time a game was 0-0 with messi on the park! Get real.
3 weeks ago at the San Siro
:) learn ur facts maybe?
Alex, last round Barcelona v Milan
Ok. Will take that one! But still cant see a nil nil game tonite!
Haha… I said I can personally see a low scoring game,and tie at that. 0-0 is a small punt. Under 2.5 is my main bet people are mis reading.
Hi Paul
I’m taking a chance with the following scorecast
chelsea 1 – 3 barcelona
lampard
200/1
with hills
Paul surprised yourself and alot of people going with a barca win tonight . Like real madird last night they dont worry with a draw or a narrow defeat . Im going double chance chelsea at 11/10 . i think its more likley to be a draw but i cant see barca winning tonight not at the bridge. barca know if they pass it about n get a draw there setup for the nou camp they wont be going all out for a win .
Callum, it’s a prediction nothing else. If I’d gone Chelsea or draw I’d have been picked up on that too. Every outcome possible has been called on the site today and that’s how it is with a game of this nature. All I’m saying is if Chelsea aren’t at their best and Barca want the win that’s what we’ll get. In no way am I saying it’s a banker or anything like that. I wouldn’t go big on anything tonight to be honest.
fancy 1-1 or 2-1 barca cant see chelsea beating barca. messi last goalscorer.
Ffs badham i was all confident about betting on goals now youve got me thinking against it! Lol. Think no one knows with this game so not too big punts tonight. I think we know what we are gonna get from barca so game depends on what chelsea turn up and what mindset dimatteo has them in. With barca its this is how we play so what u gonna do about it?!
Any one betting on the two French games tonight or got any tips?
Peter, I had a look at the games and haven’t had a bet yet. Both pretty hard to call. I’d slightly favour Lyon at Toulouse because they have been in good form in the league but lost the cup final at the weekend. Toulouse still have small hope of making the Champions League and are strong at home. In the other one Marseille will be in a better mood having picked up the trophy against Lyon but in the league they don’t have much to play for while Caen are fighting to beat the drop. Here I’d look at under 2.5 goals if pressed.
Peter, did you have a go at the French games? I was right with Marseille-Caen and you can see why I wasn’t happy to back Lyon.
Here are my tips.
Barcelona ht/ft 17/10
Barcelona to be winning after 30 mins 2/1 lads
First booking under 31 mins at 5/6 blue sq
Messi first goalscorer 5/2, refunded if he scores second with Boylesports.
Chris, interestingly my text tip today was on first booking over/under minutes.
Chris, someone on here is bound to be a winner because we’ve had everything tipped up except Cech to score. Enjoy the game.
Paul or anyone else is there an odds comparison website that does scorecasts. Can’t see it on oddschecker
Chris, I’ve never seen any but if you look at correct score and first scorer individually you should get an idea of who is biggest. Personally, I never do them.
Hi
I’m not aware of website that will compare scorecasts
You will probably have to go into each individual bookmakers website to find out what the odds will be for scorecast
Paul ht ft Barcelona is 17/10 or Barcelona -1 is 17/10. I think the ht ft might be a safer bet. Do you reckon a quick booking then? I think there’s always quick bookings in Europe and I’d imagine there will be a few lunging tackles into Messi
Chris, I’d be surprised if there wasn’t a booking in the first half hour. As you say Messi is bound to be on the end of a few and it’s sure to be pretty hard-fought in the early stages especially.
1st legs do tend to be tight but I really think this 8/11 could end up looking big come 10pm, bit like the price of Barca in last years final.
Barca @ 6/4 on Paddy Power, will be away very soon!!!
Cheers Paul
barca to win from behind – 6/1 bet365
Marty Barcelona to win from behind is 8/1 with about 6 bookies including lads paddy power and tote
only problem chelsea will cause barca tonite will be at corner kicks! Looking to the wkend man city minus 3 at wolves 9to2. Easy money.
Alex, if you fancy that get it on now. Wolves v Man City handicap is the only market I’ve bet on ahead of the weekend and I’m sure it will be popular.
Haha Joe exactly keep low and enjoy the game, it’s difference of opinion at the end of the day and obviously performances on the night.
Just on the time of first booking bet does anyone know who the referee is and what hes like?
Joe, ref is Germany’s Felix Brych. No stats to indicate how quickly he issues cards but averages three yellows a game. He was in charge of Chelsea’s comeback win against Napoli and sent off Vidic a couple of seasons ago in the Champions League v Galati. Also red-carded Peter Crouch against Real Madrid last season. He’s an experienced ref so will probably be able to keep cool but the market here we’re talking about is a yellow in the first 30 minutes and odds suggest it’s a 50-50 call. With this type of game and on this stage I’d anticipate a card by then.
10/11 Chelsea card index to be over 20. Does that mean chelsea need 3 yellow cards to win the bet
Nobby, that’s right or one red.
His names Felix Brych. He was in charge of the game between Chelsea v Napoli at the Bridge when it ended 3-1, there were six yellow cards the first on being Lampard in the 43rd minute. The only other game I can remember him on was the game in Romania between Otelul Gatali v Manchester United were there was six bookings and two sending offs but once again the first booking was after 30 mins at 52 mins. Totally different affairs tonight though so its hard to call. His also from Munich so it could just be whoever he fancies in the final hahaha should be a penalty tonight then :).
only bet al be doing on this game is red card at 11/4
tough game to call although if barca turn it on chelsea will lose rag!!!, messi better wear 2 pairs of shinpads tonight
Chelsea 2 – 3 Barcelona – 28/1
Lionel Messi Brace – 5/2
Over 4.5 9/2
Really hoping the game lives up to expectation as you can see from my bets haha!
Paul that refs a card maniac. Here are some stats:
Champions league – 7 games, 26 yellow cards, 4 reds and 4 penalties.
Europa league – 1 game, 3 yellow cards.
Euro 2012 qualifiers – 4 games, 17 yellow cards.
http://worldreferee.com/site/copy.php?linkID=540&linkType=referee&contextType=stats
Paul thinking about putting £240 on first card under 31 mins at 5/6 giving me £20 profit. What you reckon? Would you risk that? Maybe an easy £200.
and what site was that odd off of?
Chris, I’ve done the bet but not for £240. My other bets on the game will be on a red card (after reading some info about the ref), Messi to score first and Drogba to score first. If either of them do I’ve got a tidy profit. I’m also keeping a close eye on the inrunning markets.
Chris guy u get my MSG yesterday on both teams to score thread. About backing a team to draw. U would have the funds to master this.
hey paul (Mr Fixit :) ),
any chance in pointing me in the right direction of a nice little double or treble for the few games which are in action tonight. i would really appreciate it mate
Ellis, I’ve written up my thoughts on Chelsea v Barca and the two French games. None look easy calls, save your money for the weekend would be the best bet.
Nobby that could put you out the game completely and it would be a slow and painful recovery
But if u have access to cash to go for few weeks then u should be on a winner. Even the upcoming european championships, if u start backing a draw in every game until it happens u will be on a winner. Like it will happen. Doubling ur stake then each time s profit wil come
Messi to score a header at anytime 8/1 or from outside the box at 5/1.
you were right again mr f. Man city minus 3 now 17 to5 from 9to2! willie hills.
or what would you make your diamondbankers bet which would be pretty certain tonight mr fixit?
Alex man city first goal in under 26 mins at 10/11 which is a good bet.
Minus 3 goals still 9/2 with sporting bet if anyone is interested
Chris, recent form and stats (Wolves have conceded more goals at home than any side in English leagues) suggests a big win for Man City. That means an early goal is likely and I’ll certainly be looking at -2 (7-4, Paddy Power) and maybe -3.
Wllis first card in under 31 mins at 5/6
Great info on ref thanks guys.
Mr Fixits bonkers bet of 3-1 Barcelona is out to 14/1 now at William hill
Puyol has got to be worth a small punt for first goal at 66/1.
anybody know any info on chelsea barca head to head corner stats cant seem to find any info on them ?
Took the 17to5. Cheers chris.
I first posted in here 8 hours ago and im still no closer to picking a bet! Chris has got me thinking about this early yellow but at 5/6 will have to be fair bet and dunno if im willing to put decent amount of money on a coin toss. Win lose or draw i fancy chelsea to score, so is it drogba mata lampard or dare i say it torres? Maybe best bet for all of us is to see team news and maybe get better idea of what to expect?
im in the same position as you joe, i was onna take a punt on the corners but its a 50/50 gamble… the lyon, barcelona double looks nice at 3.68/1
Joe, I wrote my piece more than 24 hours ago and I’m still trying to work it out 20 minutes before kick-off.
Is ladbrokes doin money back on goalscorer tonight?
Joe Ladbrokes refunding first goalscorer bets if Mata scores anytime mate
Joe I’m quite confident there will be an early card mate. I was going to put £240 on then I realised it was a bit of a mental bet do I just stuck £120 on it which gives me £220 back
Cheers chris
how confident are u on the early card chris
You are getting 5/1 on Chelsea first card 1-15 minutes , William hill think it’s worth a punt ???
Lee, that 15-minute is obviously a tough ask. Having said that I’ve seen bookings after 15 seconds. I’m happy with the first bet in the first 30 minutes.
ANYBODY FIND ANY CORNER STATS ?
Ellis im very confident. I was going to stick £240 on it confident
Chris,,, i have £75 in my bet365 and £20 in my skybet, you would be confident for me to put the final £20 on that and win,, obviously no guarentee, but thanks this is really helpful
Since it’s such a tough one to call I’m just Gona go for an outsider to score first big Gary Cahill knows where the goal is plus barca ain’t got pique in the team so too much ariel threat from Chelsea !
Sorry Jamie couldn’t find anything. I think that would be one of the hardest bets to call to be honest
How early you talking Chris first 15 minutes ???
I went for drogba 1st goal single 2-1 Chelsea and drogba 2-1 Chelsea! Mad I kno but I think barca will have a bad night and Chelsea kno they need a lead to take over to the nou camp! Good luck all
first card at hills down to 11/4
chris why do you think it is that none of the sites i use offer the card bet?
Ellis, mine is on with Paddy Power but it’s first 27 minutes.
Not sure about 15 mins but defo under 31 mins 5/6 with blue sq
Ellis Bet365 do but it’s under 27 mins at 5/6
ahhh right ill take a punt at that i think
Only Drogba playing up front. Messi and Sanchez playing for Barcelona
Over 2.5 goals, over 12 corners and over 6 cards @ 28/1 ive got my fingers crossed!
Ok chris ive put 60 bucks on card before 31st minute. Think playing lampard with drogba on his own shows they want to boss the midfield and will hopefully try to outmuscle barca.
I’d put cash on John Obi Mikel being the man to bring up the card bet, though can’t see a 0-30 min option with WH
James, they have it in time periods. 1min to 15mins pays 11-4 while 16mins to 30mins is 7-4.
I done Caen or draw 6/4 but took a draw on the Toulouse v Lyon match….Lyon werent at the races sadly! Oh well on tonight’s game! Got drogba 1st goal aswell so heres hoping!
Thanks Mr F – never realised you had to cover both bets. Too late now but fingers crossed for you all.
Will fire the dough on Man City -3, even at 17/5 looks a great bet
cheers for the tips paul :) good luck everyone !
Disappointing terry should have been booked for off the ball incident. Come on Messi!
Drogba looks finished
Wasnt really the blood and thunder i was hoping for. Barca had best chances but very cagey.
Joe, thought the game was OK but should better first half now Chelsea have scoreed. But by my reckoning Barca have missed three sitters.
Get on Puyol next goalscorer at 66/1 with Ladbrokes. He’s up for the corners
Its half time and neither a card nor a corner for chelsea!
Oh the perils of football betting!! chelsea just scored though,,,,
Deary deary me. All bets out the window. Totally Injustified goal. You can pretty much guarantee that Chelsea are going to sit on 1-0 and Barcelona are going to pump them
Chris, miss chances and that’s what happened. Glad I covered myself by taking Drogba but disappointed with no cards. Meireles should have been booked for sure.
Drogba 1st goal at 9/1 happy days!!’ c’mon 2-1 for a even bigger return!
Tempted to back 2:2- like Chris says Barca will be all over Chelsea but will remain suspect at the back.
Took barca at 5/2. Im a jinx tho so everyone else back chelsea -2 LOL
Shocking price of 11/4 for Barcelona to win. Messi looked raging for giving that ball away. Think he’ll come out all guns blazing in second half
I,ve taken Barcelona Draw No bet 6/4 big stake…
they had 70% odd possession in first half,,they will come back…
Guys, if my bet is for over 12 corners, does that mean i win if its 12 corners or does it have to be 13+?
13+ unless it states over 12 (inc)
has to be 13+ george
Messi next goal 9/2 with boylesports
drogba should be sent off…… just for being an absolute tit of a man, rolling about like a big lassie!!!
Yep, still no sign of the sniper
well said mate! Nothing but a big cheat!
Sweating got £20 on drogba anytime Chelsea win @ 15/2
Barcelona very poor tonight
Chris, they weren’t at their best but still missed five or six good chances. Credit to Chelsea for heroic defending but Barca will turn it round.
Oh! That was a great bet but I’m shattered now ha ha
Anyone who went big on tonights game, in any which way, you were warned! Cracking result Chelsea, get in!!!!!!
Luke, warnings were there all day. If Barca had scored early it would have been a different story.
Chelsea well deserved. Nou camp formation 6 2 1 1
Barcelona will severely punish them at the nou camp
looking ahead, Arsenal generally evens at home to Chelsea on Sat {early sky game) looks tempting
wee £20 win on chelsea win 2nite. Paul i put a bet on Torres to score anytime, do i get my stake back because he didnt get any game time 2nite?
Keith, your stake on Torres will be refunded right enough.
Surely got to get on arsenal big on saturday Chelsea one eye on cl final and completely shattered
Steven, you’d imagine Di Matteo will make changes, for example Torres for Drogba. Probably right about Arsenal but they in turn were rotten against Wigan.
big massive park at nou camp, barca will find gaps behind cahill and terry(no pace), 3-0 at least
and to top it off drogba to totally lose plot when barca time waste near end and get sent off would make my night all the better. please pretty please lol
chris they were poor by there standards! If the one that hit the bar had gone in they would have won easy!
Daniel, I assume you mean terry has no pace and not both? Because Cahill certainly has pace! Plus Luiz might well be back anyway! Oh and you’ve all heard it here first, Chelsea WILL score next week!
Luke, after tonight’s display surely he’ll leave Luiz on the bench. If he plays Chelsea will lose for certain.
Before tonight I would have said we would be better equipped with Luiz in the team than without, but after,Cahill display tonight, I agree we shouldn’t change it! Chelsea need to put out a near on whole different 11 Saturday!
yes meant terry, he’ll be found out next week, just cant see chelsea coping with barca on that park
your better without luiz, he’ll think hes ronaldo and go on 1 they mad stupid runs he does an leave gaps to be exploited
Another good night for me …
£40 Under 2.5 goals @ 11/10 Ladbrokes (Won)
£20 Under 1.5 Goals @ 31/10 Bet Victor (Won)
£10 0-0 @ 12/1 Boyle Sports (Lost)
All on here earlier …
barca 1to4 with hills to win next wk! R madrid 1to2. Still think it will be a spannish final! Even with both losing first legs! Always better to play second leg at home!
Hi guys some help please! Crazy as it may be my friend out on £10 on drogba to score first an Chelsea to win 1-0 does anyone have the best odds on that outcome?
I saw 14/1 for 1-0 and no drogba first maybe 5s any help would be appreciated thanks
Aaron, also 70-1 at William Hill.
Chelsea ht/ft 8/1 fiver on it , big drogba is a great player only downfall is his diving !! Anyway fiver on Santos Laguna at 3/1 come on !!!!
Chelsea 2-0 Drogba was 175/1 at WillsHills that’s all I know Aaron
cheers paul. I thought he was sure to start 2nite coz drogba played on sunday and he has a good scoring record against barca. Wish i wouldve been bolder in my stake for chelsea as the odds of 4/1 were great.
Yes badham we all saw it…well done lol
Aaron in corals shop window 2nite that was the bet of the day. Im sure a tenner paid out around £220/240. not 100% sure tho
Aaron. Drogba 10/1 first goal and betfred am sure was 70/1 drogba 1 0. My friend had £1 on it as a cover bet. Anytime i have done a scorecast betfred have always been the best odds
Sorry for some reason it kept redirecting me Back to the page and wasn’t showing up I just wanted to get involved haha
OK, I’ll trash them.
Badham Is this the first time you have won a bet! Give it a rest!
Cheers Paul feel a donut now. Didn’t see the newer posts button! Yeah first time Alex :)
Hi Paul. Paddy Power are now offering a standout 13/8 on a Barca/Madrid final. I just couldn’t resist.
James, still looks the most likely outcome but doesn’t help that Saturday is El Clasico day. Should be cracking second-leg ties.
Last time Luiz needed to be reliable at the back, he played a blinder at home to napoli! But he will always be prone to the odd bit of over exuberance, he is Brazilian after all! Lol! Be great to see him in more advanced role at some stage!
Thanks
For all the replys on 1-0 drogba will let u know outcome! £700 still sounds good shame I didn’t bet it! Just thought it was to far fetched barca had so many chances to knock in a goal can’t believe it held.
Paul, just incase your interested S.Crosby still 12/1 first scorer and 6/1 first away team scorer. Penguins really need a big win tonight or theyre eliminated from the stanley cup playoffs in a clean sweep. Personally I have a wee £10 on Crosby myself. Its the night for the captain to step up. Another possible two options could be J.Staal(think hes 12/1) or Flyers C.Giroux also (12/1)
David, let us know how it goes and I’m sure some people here will back him. It’s not for me though, if I get into ice hockey it will be something else after that so I stick to what I’m comfortable with.
Well I ever won myself lol, but C.Giroux scored after 2 minutes of the 1st period. was considering a tenner on him aswell tae haha.
I shuda listened to my own advice and not bet ons game just coz its only game on. Ended up talking myself into a few bets last night and lost few quid. Lesson learned!
Joe, it’s a good lesson to learn. Same as tonight if you don’t have a strong opinion save you money for the weekend. Tough calls tonight also.