SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG
Barcelona v
Chelsea (1945 BST)
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606: DEBATE
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To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111 . (Not all contributions can be used)
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By Caroline Cheese
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1843: TEAMS Barcelona v Chelsea
Barcelona:
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Marquez, Abidal, Toure, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Henry, Eto'o. Subs: Jorquera, Puyol, Gudjohnsen, Bojan, Keita, Silvinho, Hleb.
Chelsea:
Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Bosingwa, Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, Essien, Malouda, Drogba. Subs: Hilario, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Anelka, Mancienne, Stoch.
1841: Interesting wording from Hiddink on the subject of Drogba, who will plough a lone furrow up front this evening. "He plays in a very charismatic way, fighting for the team. He's very efficient with his productivity and he knows what to do. He knows, also, what not to do. He knows not to over-act. We haven't spoken about that specifically but he knows how he has to play and he knows his importance."
1838: Early indications suggest that source (see 1825) is very disputable indeed. Jose Bosingwa is on the team-sheet, while Jon Mikel Obi starts in midfield. Confirmation to follow.
1836: While you wouldn't blame Chelsea for obsessing about Messi, Barcelona will have to deal with Didier Drogba. If the Ivorian scores, he'll set a new record after scoring in his last five Champions League games.
From Shaun, Arsenal fan, Peterborough, via text on 81111: "Was lucky enough to visit Nou Camp in October, Barca were 5-0 up at half-time, amazing performance. Sadly I think it'll be 1-0 tonight, all the hype about Messi has put the standards very high! Still, come on Barca."
From Aaron, Miami, via text on 81111: "A totally gutted Chelsea fan stuck at work in Miami wishing he could sneak out of the office. I'd take 2-1 Barca right now. I feel that would be a good result! COME ON YOU BLUES!"
1825:
Excellent. The rumours have started. I_met_Roman
on 606
claims an "undisputable source at Stamford Bridge" has told him/her that Jose Bosingwa isn't even starting tonight.
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From Kristoff via text on 81111 : "A Villa fan wishing Chelsea luck: 2-3, Lamps with two and Drogba. Can't see Chelsea keeping Messi quiet for 90 mins."
1818: In the absence of the suspended Ashley Cole, the man charged with marking magical Messi is set to be Jose Bosingwa. "I'm prepared for the challenge," he said. "It is no problem marking Messi." I hope, for his sake, Bosingwa didn't watch the first leg of Barca v Bayern in which Christian Lell - a stand-in left-back - was made to look an absolute fool by the brilliance of Messi.
1813:
Chelsea opted not to let the cameras in on their final training session at the Nou Camp. What secret could Guus Hiddink be hiding? Whatever it is, it had better involve stopping Leo Messi. The Argentine, this season's top scorer in the Champions League with eight, is described by team-mate Dani Alves as a "little God of football".
Dani Alves Q&A
From The Unused Substitute on 606:
"I had a feeling against Liverpool at Anfield, and I have a feeling again tonight against Barcelona at Camp Nou. Yep, I genuinely believe we're gonna get a great result tonight."
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From anon via text on 81111: "Early forecast, 3-1 to Barca, Messi tearing Bosingwa apart."
1807:
Well, OK, it's not quite here. Still one hour and 45 minutes to go until kick-off, during which time I will publish as many of your texts and 606
natter as possible. If you're at the Camp Nou, don't bother texting in via 81111
*, it would only make me cry…
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* However, if you do decide to try to make me cry with a text from Barcelona - or anywhere else in the world - you can only do so from a UK mobile. Thanks for listening.
1800: Don't worry, you can breathe again. It's here, it's finally here... it's Champions League semi-final time.
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