UEFA Champions League - Knockout Round - Page 14

The emergence of Wilshere has made such a huge difference to us this year. Added to the re-emergence of Djourou, continued improvement of Song, return of Robin Van Persie, Walcott's continued development and drastic improvement of Nasri (even though he was already good) - we are better all over the pitch than when we played them last time.

They are the same team, with Puyol out and Villa in for Ibrahimovic. I actually think Ibra is a more dangerous kind of striker against Arsenal than Villa would be, despite Villa actually being the better striker if that makes any sense. If I was picking a team to beat Arsenal I would sooner put Ibrahimovic in. If I was choosing one to play for Arsenal then it would be Villa.

I know Barca are playing even better than last season but I think our improvement is far bigger than theirs. I reckon we would dick on a lot of the teams in the Spanish league the way they do as well.


Eboue playing still worries me though. We'll probably go out but with a lot more dignity than last time. I'm cautiously optimistic of qualifying though.

quote Irish Gamer

How come Nasri is out?

Been out quite a while. Pulled hamstring since Huddersfield game.

Barca play possession football.

You saw at the weekend just how clincal our counters can be, specifically with Walcott playing and on form. That's going to force Barca to sit back more than usual, hence us having more possession than some might think.

Robthegooner I'm not disagreeing with you saying that your team is more improved this year. But Messi's once having an even better season then the 1 before and is in unbelievable form. I just can't see you containing him.

I think Barca's unbelievable form this season is blinding a few people to Arsenal's chances. I do agree with Rob that Zlatan would be a more dangerous forward for Arsenal to deal with than Villa. I do think they'll be great games of football to be honest. Walcott to start and give them nightmares on the counter. Barca can have all the possession in the world, it's goals that count.

I still think Barca will progress over the two legs but Arsenal are a better team than many are giving them credit for. I do wonder why Wenger doesn't revert to the system that got you to the '06 final. Probably more faith in these players football ability?

I'll give us a chance to win if we keep Barcelona from scoring in the first leg. I just don't see us being able to advance otherwise.

Arsenal vs Barcelona

quote RobtheGooner

Just had a fiver on Van Persie to score 2 or more at 10/1

Personally I think thats a £5 loss already, but seeing as I've said that, watch him score 5.