Arsenal Barcelona

The Arsenal Barcelona game tonight promises to be one of the most exciting games of this year’s Champions League competition. Both Arsenal and Barca are still in contention for domestic honours and have progressed in style into this quarter final.

Arsenal Barcelona

Arsenal are likely to be without their talismanic midfield maestro Fabregas tonight as he struggles to shake off serious bruising to his leg. This injury was picked up at Birmingham on the weekend and may turn out to be a telling point in Arsenal’s season. Should he fail to recover for tonight’s games (he’s currently listed at 40%) then Arsenal will have to fill an obvious void in midfield.

Arsenal were pegged back with a late equaliser on the weekend – the psychological effect of having their premiership title bid briefly derailed is sure to play some factor tonight. Wenger will have to motivate his team – however to be honest if you’re not motivated by playing Barcelona then you’re probably in the wrong business!

Arsenal will definitely have the backing of 70000 supporters to push them on. The Emirates can be a difficult place to go if Arsenal are on form and the crowd are behind them. This game will rely on the ability of Barca or Arsenal to dominate the speed of play and possession in midfield. Whoever wins that battle will likely win the tie.

Barcelona have injury troubles themselves as well. Iniesta, described after last year’s final by Wayne Rooney as the “world’s best player”, is doubtful to start this game.

Other sub plots permeating this fixture are the 2006 final, Thierry Henry’s return and Cesc Fabregas potentially playing against his boyhood club. All these are bound to effect the result to some degree although frankly any thoughts of superstition or loyalty will go out the window when the whistle blows.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Arsenal Barcelona preview – check back later for a live text update and other information from the Inter v CSKA game.