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Part 3 of a match made on the football fields of fantasia sees Arsenal and Barcelona lock horns for the second consecutive season as the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League segues along.
The football fans dream and a European tie to savour. There are many names applicable to a clash involving the two finest, most aesthetically pleasing footballing teams on the planet.
Pity then that one of the two have to exit Europe’s elite competition so early on as the road to Wembley begins in earnest.
The English national stadium situated in North West London holds special significance for both clubs, not least Barcelona who won their first ever Champions League title here in 1992 and will be looking to repeat the feat come May.
Standing in their way, in the last 16, is Arsenal. The Gunners are in hot form having not lost once this calendar year and will be hoping to banish the ghosts of 2010 where they were resolutely thrashed by the Catalans 6-3 on aggregate.
Currently still competing on four fronts, Arsene Wenger’s men will need to be at their clinical best as they seek to record their first ever win over the Spanish champions in six matches.
Of course this is easier said then done and a cautious Cesc Fabregas was keen to stress the quality of the opposition ahead of Wednesday’s blockbuster.
“We know they are the best team in the world and it is a big task for us,” the Spaniard told the Telegraph.
“We have to play with no fear. Last season in the first half [of the first leg] we respected them too much. We just have to play our game,” he added.
Respect for the visitors comes in plentiful supply. Unbeaten since September 2010 and having seen an impressive 16 match successive win end after a solid 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s men go into the tie as favourites…and for good reason.
71 goals so far this season, harbouring Lionel Messi – the best player in the world and with confidence sky-high, La Blaugrana will be seeking to take the game to Arsenal just as they did in the first half of the corresponding tie last season, and just as they did to a certain Real Madrid in November. Gooners everywhere, consider yourselves warned!
Team News:
Arsenal are without crocked defender Thomas Vermaelen, while full-back Bacary Sagna is unavailable due to suspension.
Samir Nasri is in a race to be fit for the clash after picking up a hamstring injury against Huddersfield Town in January, however, Johan Djourou and Alex Song are both fit as striker Robin Van Persie seeks to keep up his rich vein of form.
Barcelona will be without captain and die-hard defender Carles Puyol (tendonitis) and youngster Jeffren. Otherwise, Pep Guardiola has a full squad to pick from
Likely Line Ups:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Fabregas, Wilshere; Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Abidal, Maxwell; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-3 Barcelona. The outcome of this clash could well depend on Arsenal’s approach. Whether caution or all out attack will be the home side’s impetus remains to be seen.
But still, going forward Barcelona are too strong not to score with the Gunners rearguard too weak not to concede and this may prove decisive.
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