Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup and now will turn their attention to the other cup competition they are in, the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona are unbeaten in over 30 games and they also carry a two-goal lead before taking on Arsenal at the Camp Nou.
The Gunners were poor for 80 minutes against Watford in the FA Cup but their last ten minutes could well serve as a salvo as they try to overturn a massive deficit to qualify to the next round. Arsenal might not be firing on all cylinders but they need to do well to continue their chase for the Premier League title.
Barcelona are looking menacing and their trio of MSN could well do more damage for Arsenal as they look to come out of this game with some sort of pride. We provide the three main battles that could decide the game.
A midfield battle like no other, Sergio Busquets is the man for Barcelona who certainly keeps things ticking for the Catalan club. Busquets is someone that Arsenal will have to marshal really well if they are to get anything out of this game and that responsibility will fall to Francis Coquelin.
The French midfielder might not be having the best season for the Gunners and this game could be their last one in the Champions League this campaign but he can put on a great show and just showcase his talent and ability for all to see by marking Busquets really well.
2. Jeremy Mathieu vs. Olivier Giroud
Gerard Pique picked up a booking which means he would miss the Champions League tie at the Nou Camp. This means that another Frenchman comes in defence for Barcelona and to be honest, Mathieu is not the best player in that Barcelona side.
Defending against a fired up Olivier Giroud is not the easiest thing in the world and the French striker will have a point to prove against the La Liga side. If Giroud can bully the Barcelona defence, he could well get an early goal that gives Arsenal the confidence of getting another goal or two, after all, anything is possible in football.
3. Luis Suarez vs. Per Mertesacker
The pace, tenacity and hunger to do well on the pitch is what drives Luis Suarez and the Barcelona forward has shown that in bag loads this season for the Catalan club. Suarez is actually the player who has been incredible for Barcelona from day one of this season and stopping him will be a miracle if Arsenal can achieve it.
Mertesacker isn’t the quickest defender in the world and that is something that Suarez and the other attackers could well be looking to exploit when the English side meet Barcelona. Suarez should hold the upper hand in this battle and that could well decide which team scores first.
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