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Barcelona vs Arsenal preview: So, this is it then? Plus favourite line-up

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The Game

After we battled our way past Barcelona at the Emirates, hope turned into belief and tomorrow, belief can turn into an unforgettable chapter for Arsenal this season.

The positive news which I’m more than sure you all know about by now is that Robin van Persie was included in the squad to travel to Spain. Am I happy? Yes. Am I worried? Also. I am not entirely sure why for the third time in a month one of our players was ruled out of a game yet he was surprisingly in the starting line-up when the players stepped onto the pitch but what I know is that if Robin is not 100% fit, he should not start

Tomorrow’s game might as well be the most important of our season – after the League Cup Final of course – but the Champions League is not the only remaining objective so we have to look forward to the future when important decisions are to be taken

Ironically, many were discussing who to start between Nicklas and Marouane yesterday and even though the Dutchman is in the squad, at least for the first part of the game, I would keep him on the bench. Choosing who to start up front is not easy and I’m glad I’m not the one to take such a decision and that is because we know we’ll have a lot of defensive work to do in the early stages of the game, hence someone like Nicklas/Marouane would be an asset to have

But on the other hand, counter attacking will surely be our weapon on the night and when you counter attack you need someone to put them away. Granted, Robin “wasted” three chances before scoring in the first leg but if I am to pick one of the three to label as a “true goalscorer”, well, the Dutchman is the one

It’s a tough decision and we’ll only find out tomorrow who our boss opted for. As for the rest, what I said before the first leg applies for tomorrow’s game as well. What I honestly care about is not to win or go through but to be proud of the lads and have no regrets when the final whistle blows

Favourite line-up

No need to stop and discuss the defensive department, we all know who will start and if they do as well as they did at the Emirates, half of the job is done.

In midfield, Alex Song is missing so we need someone to replace him and the dilemma for many is whether to opt for Denilson or Abou Diaby. As good as Denilson was at the Emirates when the two teams faced each other last season, it’s also true he was a disaster at the Camp Nou although the same could be said of Abou. I will go by personal preference and hope to finally see the Frenchman fulfill all my expectations

Up front, as I explained in the introduction, I would keep Robin on the bench – at least for the first half – and gamble with Nicklas. To be honest, I’m 50/50 torn between Nicklas and Marouane because deep inside something tells me that this could be the perfect game for Marouane so let’s just say I will not be disappointed if he starts.

Pre-match Interviews

Asked how come Robin was called so late into the squad, Arsene Wenger explained he still needs to be assessed by the medical team as he added that he will only use him if he is 100% fit.

He said:

I am very bad at mind games,. The whole truth is what I have given you here. We’ll see tomorrow morning. The medical team will assess him and I would like him to play. But I will only play him if he is 100 per cent fit. OK, I will consider 99.5.

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Arsenal and their achievements as he explained that being always in the top is not easy and it means that the team is quality.

He said:

They are competing with Manchester United for the Premier League, reached the final of the Carling Cup and a few seasons ago were in the final of the Champions League.
Arsenal are always in the top, when you compete every season at the top, it is because they are quality.

The Gunning Hawk Coverage

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Barca vs Arsenal: Preview, Injury News & Predicted Team

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TO WATCH THE GAME CLICK HERE

FC Barcelona host Arsenal this evening in the Champions league, in what promises to be one of the most entertaining matches in the tournament. The Gunners go to Spain with a 2-1 win at the Emirates, but facing the Spanish Champions on their home turf will not be easy, and every Gooners is fully aware of it.

Injury News :

RVP made a shock trip to Spain and is in line to play some part tonight if he passes a late test. Theo and Song will miss the clash at the Nou Camp. Fabregas will play.

Probable Line-up :

Subs : Almunia, Eboue, SQ18, Gibbs, Rosicky, Denilson, RVP

Final Thoughts :

If Arsenal have to beat Barcelona it has to be on the counter-attack. It’s as simple as that. Having an agg. lead over the reigning spanish champions will definitely force them to attack. So we don’t have to be clever, rather just go for the kill. The crucial thing here is who is going to get the first goal. That first goal will decide everything.

Gun-out

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