Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has said that his first-team squad are well prepared to take on the "great challenge" of facing Barcelona.

The Blues have struggled for positive results since the start of 2018 but on Friday night, the Blues registered their second successive win as they thrashed Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round.

Chelsea will be the underdogs when Barcelona arrive at Stamford Bridge next week for the first leg of the last-16 tie in the Champions League, but Conte is pleased with his side's preparation for the game.

The 48-year-old is quoted by PA as saying: "To win in the league, and then the FA Cup, was very important for our confidence, and to prepare in the right way for Barcelona. To play against Barcelona is a great challenge for us. This type of game must give us great enthusiasm. We must be excited to play, especially against this team.

"I consider Barcelona one of the best teams in the world. You have to try and compete with them at this level. It won't be easy, for sure, but we must have the right confidence and then we'll see what happens.

"I'm very happy. Before an important game I go to my house with many doubts in my mind. Which is the best starting XI to start the game against Barcelona? But it's right to be so. We must take the right time to make the best decision to pick the best XI to start that game."

The two clubs will be meeting for the first time since 2012, when Chelsea fought back from two goals down with 10 men at Camp Nou to register a draw which would prove enough for the club to reach the Champions League final.