Five Talking Points Ahead of Arsenal's Champions League First-Leg

Arsenal v Barcelona - Expert analysis and predictions

Form

After without a win in four, Arsenal have got their season back on track with two very important wins. A hard fought 2-0 win away to Bournemouth was followed by a dramatic last gasp win over title rivals Leicester at the Emirates. Arsenal’s forgotten man, Danny Welbeck glancing a header into the back of Kasper Schmeichel’s net to move the Gunner’s within two points of the leaders. In their most recent game they were held by a stubborn Hull City at the weekend in the F.A Cup. Wenger will be worried that they could not break down the Championship side. Any team that comes up against a Barcelona side with already fear for the worst but when Mr. Arsene Wenger researches his opponents he will discover that they have just broken a club record of going 32 games without defeat. It is possibly the worst time to play Luis Enrique’s men. Confidence is running at a time high and after dismantling Celta Vigo last weekend 6-1 and beating Las Palmas 2-1 in their most recent fixture.

Key Players

Arsene Wenger will be delighted that Danny Welbeck made a very successful return from his serious knee injury. The Englishman hasn’t kicked a ball since last April but thankfully for all Arsenal fans he is now back to his menacing best. Arsenal are also set to be without Santi Carzola and Jack Wilshere. This game comes a bit too early for the injured duo. Elneny had a solid game for Arsenal at the weekend and will give Wenger options when it comes to selecting his midfield. When it come to Arsenal’s main goal threat the responsibilty will fall firmly on the shoulders of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud. With a combined total of 28 goals this season they will be the biggest threat. Mesut Ozil has been another man who has lit up the the 2015/16 season. With his incredible passing ability and vision it is no wonder he has an amazing 17 assists in all competition this seaon.

Exploiting Weaknesses

When Arsene sits down to analysis this Barcelona side and create a game plan he will need a fine comb and a magnifying glass to find a weakness in Luis Enrique’s men. They have been superb all season. That strike force of Messi, Neymar and Suarez would put the fear of God into any defence. If one was to highlight a weakness, one could say that the centre back pairing of Pique and Mascherano lack pace. Wenger will pin point that and will hope to get the pace of Sanchez and Walcott in behind those two men. The two full-backs of Dani Alves and Jordi Alba are extremely good at going forward but they can get caught out defensively and leave acres of space down the flanks. If Arsenal could target that they could potentially get some joy.

Home Performance/Key Stats

Arsenal host Barcelona at the Emirates boasting an impressive home record. Out of the last 15 home games, Arsenal has lost just twice in all competitions. In their last two meetings in London against the Catalan side, Wenger’s side are undefeated. They beat Barcelona 2-1 in 2011 and drew 2-2 in 2010. One interesting stat to add to the mix is that 5 time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has failed to score against Petr Cech in eight previous meetings. The Argentine star even failed to convert a crucial penalty in the 2nd leg of their Champions League Semi against Chelsea in 2012, when the Czech international was then the Chelsea number one.

Recommended Bets

Arsenal V Barcelona

• Luis Suarez to score 2 or more -
• Arsenal to win from behind -
• Barcelona to win both halves –