Match of the round - Arsenela v Pepcelona

When the draw was made many of us looked at it as an "easy" draw for the sexiest team in the world and still FC Barcelona go into this game as odds-on favourites. However, take a look at the Arsenal Fans' forum and although noone has forgotten last season's ties, especially the first half at the Emirates and the post-Arsenal goal at the Camp Nou performances, there is a feeling that Arsène's boys can at least go to the Camp Nou without the tie being over. Reasons for them to believe:

i) The form of Van Persie (10 goals in the last 8 games). Maybe a little extra motivation after losing the World Cup Final to Barça mark 2?

ii) The return of Samir Nasri. Due to be out for 21 days, but back early and, hopefully for the Gunners' fans, rested after missing last week's international duties as well as his club matches.

iii) The 1,95cm, 20-year-old goalkeeper, Szczesny, has only played 6 league games for Arsenal and makes his debut in the CL. That said, he has only let in 9 goals this season and has just made his debut for the full Poland team.

iv) It may sound strange, but seeing the North London rivals beat Milan last night will have made many fans think that if Spurs can beat the Italian giants why can't the Arse topple the Spanish ones?

OK. Now back to reality:

i) FCB have only lost one meaningful game all season. And last Saturday's draw at Sporting Gijon will only help preparation for Pep Guardiola.

ii) They only have the one missing first-team regular in Carles Puyol. He was sorely missed at the weekend, but Abidal has been one of the players of the season so far, paticualrly in that position.

iii) They will not be alone. Apart from the official travelling Barça fans expect hundreds more who have made their own way to the stadium including Nick De Bruxelles and the various Penyas Blaugrana of the UK (See PB London flag above, thanks Jason).

iv) Amongst Pep's many skills, games analysis, tactical flxeibility, bravery, etc. possibly his strongest point is getting his players to just the right level of motivation. Is he really going to let them forget going out to Inter in the semis last season and that this year they have a chance to return to Wembley?

Predictions:

Everybody who likes football WILL watch this game.

Arsenal 1-3 FCB