New post - Barcelona v Arsenal Preview: Restrict Messi = Proceed To Next Round
http://t.co/Arz1TdP - player impact in the Barca camp
Touching on:
- Messi's unpredictability.
- The rather more predictable focus on Barcelona's right flank.
- Villa's movement off the ball.
- Diaby or Denilson? Who should replace Alex Song?
---------- Post added at 09:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 PM ----------
Arsenal’s Probable Line-Up
Arsene Wenger will keep his faith in Wojciech Szczesny, even though the goalkeeper has been slightly nervous in the matches following the first leg win over Barcelona. The defensive line will be the same as in the first leg as well, but with Bacary Sagna coming back from suspension to replace Emmanuel Eboue. With Cesc Fabregas fit to play, Jack Wilshere will revert to his preferred position as a left central midfielder, with the first question mark being about who will replace the injured Alex Song – Diaby or Denilson?
Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin will flank Fabregas, and the second question mark is regarding whether or not Robin van Persie is fit to play in the central forward role – surprisingly Van Persie was today included in the provisional 19-man squad to face Barcelona. What this means is anyone’s guess, but Wenger wouldn’t include him if he wasn’t fit to play at least 20-30 minutes. We might very well see Van Persie tomorrow in some capacity, several weeks ahead of schedule.
Compared to Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh has more overall quality, and follows similar movement patterns to Van Persie – dropping deep and acting as a second attacking midfielder at times. But Bendtner has more flair and is able to do the unexpected on a good day. For this match, Chamakh is a better starting choice in my opinion, while Van Persie or Bendtner should come on as a substitute in the last 25-30 minutes if needed.
More
HERE
---------- Post added at 04:31 PM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 09:43 PM ----------
Don't forget to read the tactical preview for the big clash tonight, written by @mantralux for Arsenal Report
http://bit.ly/i25tCO