Richard MichaelArsenal ready to kick Barca out.
The Wonders or soccer.
Welcome, you have seen how Arsenal beat Barcelona a fourth night ago. It was really a surprise to many but to me that is football. Here I analyze the chances in which Arsenal use to over power Barcelona.
* After the match Wenger revealed his star man would be out for three weeks, which would have ruled him out of the Barca clash.
But Nasri has recovered quicker than expected and has been training since late last week. He came through a fitness test on Monday and will again be tested on Tuesday before Wenger makes a decision on Nasri's involvement.
Arshavin celebrate his winning goal.
If the Frenchman is available for selection it would provide a huge boost to the club. The 23-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, scoring 14 goals already this campaign.
His performances have lit up the Premier League and pushed him forward as a candidate for player of the year.
It would also give Pep Guardiola's side another thing to think about and his direct dribbling style and sharpness in front of goal could cause the Catalan club problems.
* Dutch striker Van Persie was absent for both ties last year after missing most of the season with an ankle injury sustained on international duty with the Netherlands.
But this year both players are fit and forming an excellent partnership for Wenger's side, which came to the fore again on Saturday against Wolves when Fabregas picked out Van Persie, and the Dutchman finished the cross with a sweetly struck volley.
It was Van Persie's 10th Premier League goal in his last seven matches and showed why Wenger thinks this year's match with the Catalan club could well take on a different script.
It was the Spain star's ninth Premier League assist this term and Van Persie's 12th goal of the season in all competitions.
* But this season, after the addition of Marouane Chamakh to the squad, Arsenal have been more inclined to send balls into the box than in past seasons.
While it is still not Arsenal's strength, it has been an aspect of their game which has improved and it could be a vital weapon against Barcelona.
Guardiola's side have conceded eight of the 14 goals they have let in during the whole season from crosses into the box.
So if Arsenal's full-backs and wingers can get into good crossing positions it will be important for them to get their delivery into the box right.
Four of the eight goals Barca have conceded have also come from headers, so set-piece play could be an unusually strong weapon for the Gunners. The likes of Van Persie and Fabregas will have to be on the money so Arsenal can take advantage.
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* Alex Song will have a vital role to play against Barcelona if Arsenal are to have any chance of progressing to the next round.
The Cameroon international is the Gunners' primary shield in front of the back four and he will have a tough job on his hands with the likes of Messi, Pedro, Xavi and Iniesta roaming around the field.
While Song does his job effectively against most of the Premier League teams and some of the lesser Champions League sides, he can sometimes be overrun on the counter-attack as his team-mates bomb forward.
Against Barcelona, Song will need assistance from team-mates tracking back and harassing the Barca players when they have the ball.
The return leg will be intriguing what is your take on these, post your comments below.
-curl from goal.com
Welcome, you have seen how Arsenal beat Barcelona a fourth night ago. It was really a surprise to many but to me that is football. Here I analyze the chances in which Arsenal use to over power Barcelona.
Midfield action between Xavi and Wilsere
* After the match Wenger revealed his star man would be out for three weeks, which would have ruled him out of the Barca clash.
But Nasri has recovered quicker than expected and has been training since late last week. He came through a fitness test on Monday and will again be tested on Tuesday before Wenger makes a decision on Nasri's involvement.
Arshavin celebrate his winning goal.
If the Frenchman is available for selection it would provide a huge boost to the club. The 23-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, scoring 14 goals already this campaign.
His performances have lit up the Premier League and pushed him forward as a candidate for player of the year.
It would also give Pep Guardiola's side another thing to think about and his direct dribbling style and sharpness in front of goal could cause the Catalan club problems.
* Dutch striker Van Persie was absent for both ties last year after missing most of the season with an ankle injury sustained on international duty with the Netherlands.
But this year both players are fit and forming an excellent partnership for Wenger's side, which came to the fore again on Saturday against Wolves when Fabregas picked out Van Persie, and the Dutchman finished the cross with a sweetly struck volley.
It was Van Persie's 10th Premier League goal in his last seven matches and showed why Wenger thinks this year's match with the Catalan club could well take on a different script.
It was the Spain star's ninth Premier League assist this term and Van Persie's 12th goal of the season in all competitions.
* But this season, after the addition of Marouane Chamakh to the squad, Arsenal have been more inclined to send balls into the box than in past seasons.
While it is still not Arsenal's strength, it has been an aspect of their game which has improved and it could be a vital weapon against Barcelona.
Guardiola's side have conceded eight of the 14 goals they have let in during the whole season from crosses into the box.
So if Arsenal's full-backs and wingers can get into good crossing positions it will be important for them to get their delivery into the box right.
Four of the eight goals Barca have conceded have also come from headers, so set-piece play could be an unusually strong weapon for the Gunners. The likes of Van Persie and Fabregas will have to be on the money so Arsenal can take advantage.
* Alex Song will have a vital role to play against Barcelona if Arsenal are to have any chance of progressing to the next round.
The Cameroon international is the Gunners' primary shield in front of the back four and he will have a tough job on his hands with the likes of Messi, Pedro, Xavi and Iniesta roaming around the field.
While Song does his job effectively against most of the Premier League teams and some of the lesser Champions League sides, he can sometimes be overrun on the counter-attack as his team-mates bomb forward.
Against Barcelona, Song will need assistance from team-mates tracking back and harassing the Barca players when they have the ball.
Arshavin celebrate his winning goal
The return leg will be intriguing what is your take on these, post your comments below.
-curl from goal.com
