Chelsea fans want the unfancied Gary Cahill to start in defence against Barcelona

by James Beavis share

1 minute read 14/3/2018 | 11:51am

Chelsea face Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night, and Blues fans have made a shock demand to manager Antonio Conte to start the previously unfancied Gary Cahill at the back to try and stop Lionel Messi and Co.

The 32-year-old found himself on the substitutes’ bench for the 1-1 draw in the first leg against the La Liga leaders – much to the delight of the Stamford Bridge faithful – and the Premier League clashes against Manchester United and Manchester City in the last few weeks, following some below-par displays.

Even though Conte has the likes of Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta available to play in his preferred three-man defence, the Italian has been urged to make a shock call there against the Catalan outfit.

Chelsea supporters have been quick to have their say on Cahill starting via social media, and while one said “his experience is more valuable tonight than it usually is”, another said “if he doesn’t [start], and we lose, Conte has to go”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Probably. His experience is more valuable tonight than it usually is especially against Barca

— Ant Starr (@AntStarrr) March 14, 2018

The only one from that CL winning squad. Irreplaceable experience. Should start with no doubt imo

— |?? (@llondonsfinest) March 14, 2018

Might actually be a good move

— mike24611 (@mike24611) March 14, 2018

If he doesn’t, and we lose, Conte has to go! #CFC

— Mush Frood (@MushFrood) March 14, 2018

Yes

— Tomiwa Anjorin (@Tomtaxy) March 14, 2018

Most def!

— jonmmo (@johnsonblazing) March 14, 2018

Yeah, christensen looks shaky in the defense he needs a tutor

— Maclawrence ™ (@Maclawrence69) March 14, 2018

Please help me tell Conte to do the following tonight:

– not intend to defend
– start Giroud
– start Cahill instead of Rudiger. Also start Christensen
– Start Fabregas
– not start Moses
– explore a 2-man forward please; with Hazard as an SS, Willian and Pedro on both wings https://t.co/GwnpVWe4I3

— Millicent Bystander (@Agent23__) March 14, 2018