Now that FC Barcelona comfortably lead the Liga race, the European champions will undoubtedly prioritise the Champions League to achieve what no one has so far: Defending the title. Standing in the way is England’s Arsenal FC, a team that is often characterised as the English Barça but has failed to find similar success to the Catalans since the era of the ‘Invincibles’. How well could they fare against the treble winners?
Arsenal’s season has been a good one so far. The team is still fiercely competing in the Premier League, a trophy that has eluded Arsene Wenger for the past 11 years. Arsenal trail leaders Leicester City by just two points, and are set to face Hull City in the FA Cup’s fifth round replay. There are concerns, however, regarding the quality and depth of Arsenal’s squad that may eventually force Wenger to sacrifice one for the other. But right now, their goal will be to avoid defeat tomorrow at the Emirates Stadium.
As for the visitors, Luis Enrique and the players have made it clear as day that they’re still hungry for more,still have the same motivation as of last season to win the Champions league,but it will be an uphill task to win the champions league back to back,because no team has done it,in the champions league era. Barcelona’s record against big teams has been near impeccable, winning all of their games against top oppositions with the exception of Lucho’s first clásico, 2014’s first meeting against PSG, and the return leg against FC Bayern in the Champions League semifinals. In other words, Barça players know how to bring it when expected to.
Barcelona’s last two visits to the Emirates ended in a draw and a defeat, although in both occasions Arsenal still failed to qualify for the next round (thanks to Lapulga Atomica). Arsenal also have a reputation of winning when it’s least expected of them, and a great example is a crucial win against Bayern just months ago. On paper, Barcelona should have zero problems dismantling Wenger’s Arsenal with ease. But in reality, there’s no telling which Arsenal side will show up today.
What’s makes the fixture so interesting is a number of key battles that will surely prove to be a pleasure for the neutrals to watch. The first, obvious battle is between Lionel Messi and Petr Cech. Cech is one of the very few goalkeepers in the world who can answer NO when asked if Messi ever scored against you. The Argentinian almost added the Czech to his list of victims in a game against Chelsea CF at the Camp Nou four years ago but was denied by crossbar, and it has been haunting him ever since. Cech departed Chelsea this summer after being displaced by Thibaut Courtois and joined his London rivals. The transfer is already being hailed as one of the signings of the season as Cech added much needed experience and security in goal that gave Arsenal just the edge they needed in defence when in fact they should have been dropping points, and he’s one of the main reasons why Arsenal are still competing in the Premier League. But, can he continue to deny Messi from scoring?
Another concerning battle for the gunners is Olivier Giroud vs. Javier Mascherano. While the Frenchman lacks pace and dribbling skills, Giroud understands both his strengths and weaknesses very well and that makes it easier for his teammates to supply him with what he needs to score. Giroud’s strength and height will surely trouble Mascherano, a defender who has often found life difficult when it comes to stopping the bulky, classic no.9 strikers. Instead, it is possible that Gerard Piqué be the one assigned to mark Giroud, allowing Mascherano to focus more and pushing forward and putting pressure on Arsenal’s playmaker, Mesut Özil, who is enjoying a magnificent season with the Gunners.
Then there’s Neymar Jr. vs. Hector Bellerin. The young Spanish fullback has been impressing ever since he managed to bench Mathieu Debuchy and earn a starting spot in Arsene Wenger’s XI. Bellerin has blistering pace and a strong physique, but still lacks experience and strong tactical awareness to deal with one of the top three players in the world. Neymar is used to making defenders lives miserable, but Bellerin’s pace may prove to be challenge for a Brazilian. Either way, watching both players battle it out will be fun.
There are a lot more mini battles to watch out for today (Luis Suárez and Per Mertesacker, for example) but that will depend on who the coaches select to start the game. Dani Alves and Jordi Alba have been going through a rough patch recently with both fullbacks almost running up and down the pitch like headless chickens, but it is essential they restore their form ahead of the trip to London. Meanwhile, Alexis Sánchez has been far from impressive ever since his return from injury. The Chilean, who will be facing Barcelona for the first time since his departure, has found it difficult to regain is form after a lengthy spell on the sidelines,i would have love him to score and see how he celebrates against his former team.Nevertheless, factoring in the adrenaline rush that comes in games like this, today could very well be the day Alexis does what he does best.
All in all, not much will be determined today especially with still a second leg to go at the Camp Nou. Luis Enrique, however, will be hoping to put an early end to the tie today with a win over one the best coaches in modern history. Will it be a clash of styles or will Wenger choose to adopt a much needed different approach to beat the Catalans?
Team News
Arsenal FC
Arsenal’s most notable absence is Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard has been out for some time now and could not recover in time to face Barcelona. Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, and Gabriel Paulista are all out injured and will watch from the stands.
Wenger rested his key players on Saturday and as a result he now has to plan for the replay fixture in the FA Cup as well, but for now he’ll be sending out his best players for the matchup.
Predicted XI: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal – Coquelin, Ramsey – Alexis, Özil, Oxlade-Chamberlain – Giroud.
FC Barcelona
Luis Enrique too took into consideration the midweek clash with Arsenal when selecting his starting XI against UD Las Palmas, but possibly found his job a bit easier with all of his players at his disposal with the exception of Rafinha Alcântara and Arda Turan who is suspended for his redcard against Real madrid while still playing for Athletico madrid.
There has been talk of a possible start for Aleix Vidal given Dani Alves current form, I still think Alves will start because of his experience in big games but I believe it is unlikely that Lucho takes that risk knowing that Alexis is a vital component of Arsenal’s attack. Alves, although not at his best right now, still has more than enough experience to handle his ex-teammate, and instead Vidal could prove more beneficial when coming off the bench.
Predicted XI: ter Stegen – Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba – Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta – Messi, Neymar, Suárez.
Prediction
On paper this should be a win for Barcelona,But
I will like to sit on the fence,Because football is like biscuit,you never can tell how it would break in your mouth.
Barcelona’s unbeaten run coming into this match is 32 games, and one thing is certain,it either stops or continues.
For the neutrals,just sit,Relax and enjoy this intriguing game.
Moderator i hope this will make the front page.

Arsenal sef know



this is the end of the road



#Adonis3HasSopken