Arsenal vs Barcelona: Match Preview

Arsenal face the ultimate test in their Champions League clash with Spanish giants Barcelona. The Gunners are the ultimate underdogs ahead of the game, and it will no doubt be the toughest game of the season so far.

As if being drawn against the current holders wasn’t enough, Arsenal’s poor record in the Champions League knockout stages adds to difficult task ahead.

How do Arsenal stop Barcelona?

It’s all well and good Arsenal planning how to break Barcelona down, but how do they go about stopping the deadly trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez? In truth, there is no simple way of answering that question. However, they can certainly adapt their style of play to make things as difficult as possible for Barcelona’s phenomenal attack. If the Gunners are able to adopt a more aggressive and fast paced approach to the game, they may be able to nullify the attacking threat of the Spanish Champions. Giving any space at all to any of Barcelona’s attacking players could be costly. Of course this is easier said than done, but they have to give it a go. The responsibility of keeping Barcelona at bay will predominantly lie with the likely central midfield partnership of Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey. It is crucial that Arsenal are tight and compact in the middle of the park to cut the supply to Barcelona’s front three. Arsenal may have to give up possession and look to break on the counter, but this could be their only way of finding success due to the quality of opposition.

One positive Arsenal can take going into the game is the number of positive results against the top sides at the Emirates. Victories against Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and the surprising Leicester City suggest that Arsenal often step up on the big occasion. However, they haven’t faced what is probably the best attacking in world football.

Arsenal and Arsene Wenger beat Barcelona back in 2011 thanks to an Andrey Arshavin winner, which gives the Gunners some hope ahead of the tie. Although recent results suggest Barcelona are in fine goal scoring form, which spells danger for Arsenal. Whilst Arsene Wenger’s side seem to be lacking the clinical edge in front of goal that will most certainly be needed if they are to be successful. Will Arsenal beat the odds against the European Champions?  Or will Barcelona’s deadly trio prove too much for the Gunners to deal with?

Predicted starting line ups:

Arsenal:

Cech, Bellerin, Koscienly, Mertesacker, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Welbeck, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud

Barcelona:

Ter Stegen, Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Messi, Suarez, Neymar