Blues great Gianfranco Zola is backing Chelsea to spring a shocking surprise against Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Premier League Champion travel to Camp Nou with their last-16 tie all square at 1-1 – Lionel Messi levelling after Willian put the Antonio Conte side in front.
Zola scored in a 3-1 win over Barcelona in the quarter-finals back in 2000 before the Catalan giants matched that scoreline in the second leg and prevailed on home turf in extra time.
The 51-year-old former Italy international is hopeful the West London outfit do not suffer the same faith they pass through and believes Chelsea can make life difficult for the La Liga leaders.
"It's not going to be easy. Playing in Barcelona is a tough game. But Chelsea are a strong team, with good players," Zola told Omnisport.
"I think they can go there and surprise Barcelona, they have the ability to do that. Chelsea have the type of players Barcelona don't like very much, so in my opinion, it's still an open game.
"They will have to defend well. The first leg was 1-1, Barcelona will want to try to win the game [and not rely on the away goal advantage].
"I'm sure they will want to be safe. If Chelsea defends well first, then they can use the counter as they can do really well. I think they stand a very good chance."
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