[MaserQ]

Barca vs Arsenal should be another fast paced game. Arsenal will miss Van Persie up front. Fabregas and Wilshere will have to work hard to keep possession AND feed their strikers. Also, Barca have the crucial advantage of an away goal. This could be the difference in the end.

[nfsfreak]

Originally Posted by MaserQ

Also, Barca have the crucial advantage of an away goal. This could be the difference in the end.

I don't believe Barca will ever rely on a 1-0 win. They would try to create as many chance as possible.
Both Arsenal & Barca are similar in this regard. Both just don't know how to defend.

[figo_united]

Originally Posted by MaserQ

Arsenal will miss Van Persie up front.

He might still play. He has been included in their squad.

[nfsfreak]

Originally Posted by figo_united

He might still play. He has been included in their squad.

Yes... RVP will be on bench and Bendtner will start upfront.
Benty is a big game player, so expect a good performance from him.

It will be Sczhesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky & Bendtner for Arsenal, i guess.

Stong lineup. I would say Arsenal have less pressure as no body expect them to beat Barca and playing with better defenders than last time certainly helps. Will sorely miss Song & Walcott (Rosicky is not as sharp as he was two years ago :( )

[figo_united]

Originally Posted by nfsfreak

Yes... RVP will be on bench and Bendtner will start upfront.
Benty is a big game player, so expect a good performance from him.

It will be Sczhesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Wilshere, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Rosicky & Bendtner for Arsenal, i guess.

Stong lineup. I would say Arsenal have less pressure as no body expect them to beat Barca and playing with better defenders than last time certainly helps. Will sorely miss Song & Walcott (Rosicky is not as sharp as he was two years ago :( )

Front 3 [arshavin, rosicky, bendtner] dont seem to be too convincing...arsenal will be hoping for some magic from fab or nasri...
should be a good match!

[nfsfreak]

Barca vs Arsenal. 95000 supporters in Camp Nou cheering each and every shot from Barca.

Score was 1-1 at 56th Min, with Arsenal beginning to find some space. They were leading 3-2 by aggregate. Everything set for a wonderful finish but here comes referee squandered the match by sending RVP off with a stupid decision.

With lone man upfront gone, made it too easy for Barca to capitalize and win 3-1.

Should admit that Barca dominated the entire match but Arsenal were atleast holding up well till that point. Started to find its rhythm in second half charged up by the own goal courtesy Sergio Busquets.

No one can deny that Arsenal would have great chance, if RVP stayed. Really cant accept the way Arsenal kicked out :(

[figo_united]

totally. It was one of the most ridiculous decisions you will get to see!

But even with the sending off, Barca deserved to go through. Arsenal hardly got to touch the ball.
interesting thing is that, had bendtner taken his chance at the end, it would have been curtains for barca

[nfsfreak]

Bendty's chance is the only one for Arsenal but Mascherano did well to cover the ground. I admit that Barca dominated the entire match but still they are unable to break thru even having 70% of posession at that time.
You never know when score is 1-1. It would take only one moment of brilliance from RVP to take the match away from Barca, which he is very much capable of (remember the first leg!!!). It could have been a great match with both teams having chance.

But the decision completely ruled Gunners out as they never going to win from that position with man-in-form gone, Rosicky largely ineffective and Fabregas not fully fit.

Now another match to look for. Manu Vs Arsenal in Old Trafford this weekend.

[figo_united]

yeah, completely agree. Barca are vulnerable at the back, and with a solid defensive partnership, they are beatable!
at 1-1 anything was possible, yes, but i think arsenal also got some lucky decisions in their favour too. two penalties denied (one on messi and other on pedro) and koseilny was so lucky to be on the pitch, he could have got 4 yellow cards on another day!
overall, the refree was a joke as RVP said!

now that arsenal will concentrate on FA cup and premier league, this weekend's fixture becomes so much more important, More so because united are also coming with a 2 game losing streak!

[nfsfreak]

Really looking forward to this weekend match.

Guess wenger will go for very strong side including RVP, Fabregas. ManU keeping CL clash next week in mind, will probably have to decide the squad cautiously.

Hope best team wins on that day

[figo_united]

Originally Posted by nfsfreak

Guess wenger will go for very strong side including RVP, Fabregas.

Fabregas is a doubt with hamstring injury.

Originally Posted by nfsfreak

Hope best team wins on that day

I hope Man Utd Wins

[nfsfreak]

Originally Posted by figo_united

I hope Man Utd Wins

You bet

Milan vs Spurs today. Should be interesting, for sure.

[figo_united]

Originally Posted by nfsfreak

You bet

Milan vs Spurs today. Should be interesting, for sure.

wasnt too interesting. I was hoping milan would score and make it interesting, but it didnt happen. But happy that spurs got through.

[nfsfreak]

Robinho & Pato had very good chances to bring Milan back to game but wasted. Good defending by Spurs, esp goal line clearance by Gallas.

Anyways, Good that Spurs got thru. Lets see how they fare against big guns in Europe.

Four consecutive years for Milan not able to get past Round of 16. (Are they another RM in making?)

[MaserQ]

Last night's loss might be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. Their only priority now is the League title and this is the closest they have been to it in years. If they can grind a few away wins and not lose to any big teams, the EPL title is within their grasp.