So it’s the draw all the neutrals wanted. Neutrals indeed! It is the draw that every team left in the Champions League feared. Europe’s most attractive footballing teams square off again for the first time since the final in Paris and it is destined to be a cracker! On paper, Barcelona has the superior team, as they can boast some of the world’s best players. But as we all know, paper means nothing in football, especially in big tournaments and big matches.
Hell, sometimes form doesn’t mean anything! On form both teams are playing really well. Barcelona have been cruising in all competitions, while Arsenal have chalked up a nice winning streak in the league. In my eyes, Arsenal’s problems are at the back. Wenger needs to find a solution to the missing Gallas, and it just might be Alex Song. Song is Arsenal’s most improved player of the year and one of the best performers this season. But playing against Barcelona, you have to be able to win the ball back, and he is so good at that in the midfield. Taking him away from the likes of Xavi and Iniesta could be detrimental to Arsenal’s success. But then again, so could Sol Campbell at the back! Campbell has performed well since his shock return to North London, but he has looked shaky against far inferior opponents. I am glad that I’m not Arsene Wenger on this one!
Barcelona meanwhile will have to limit the influence of Cesc Fabregas, who is having the season of his life playing behind the striker in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation. The likes Fabregas and Arshavin will need to be contained or Barcelona will be punished. Barcelona are amazing on the attack, but have consistently shown weakness at the back. I for one believe their biggest weakness is Victor Valdez, so look for Arsenal to test Barcelona in the air. Bendtner, Campbell, and Vermaelan could really trouble them from crosses and set pieces.
But all things aside, Arsenal must stop Lionel Messi. Gael Clichy has rediscovered his best form as of late, and will have his hands full during both legs of this mouth watering tie. One man cannot stop him though, so Wenger must choose his left sided attacker very carefully. Arshavin has worked down the left the most this season, but has shown a lack of interest in tracking back. That will have to change. Barcelona’s right side is capable of destroying teams single-handedly and Wenger knows this.
As an Arsenal fan, I believe Arsenal have a chance at winning this tie. But they are going to have to play out of their skins for 180 minutes. If they can do that, they can progress and if they did that, who would bet against them going all the way?
No comments:
Post a Comment