The only way Barcelona can survive.

The Wonders or soccer.
Welcome all our expectations were dashed a fourth night ago when Arsenal beat Barca. But the only way I see Barcelona coming back into the competition is as follows; Read on...

In truth, there's only one way Barca can defeat Arsenal, and that's because there's only one way Barca play: possession, attacking football. Pep Guardiola does not change his approach, playing system, formation, or tactics for any opponent. What he does change, though, is his specific instructions to his superstars during the game. More of a conductor than a coach, Guardiola will bark orders to his players from the touchline to accommodate Arsenal's minute-by-minute strategy

• Arsenal will be deprived of the ball, of that there is no doubt even before the two teams head for the tactical drawing board. But while Barca are sometimes too reluctant to play route-one football, Arsene Wenger's men have no problems adopting that approach, as evidenced by the fact that they scored two of their three goals against the Catalans over two legs last season through speedy counter-attacks.

Arsenal are not the most physical side in the Premier League, but almost any team in football today is more physical than Barcelona. The Gunners can get rough and mix it up with the "big boys" if they want to, and if Wenger decides to throw a curveball and deviate from his usual one-touch football and get physical, it could be the ace card that could stun the Blaugrana.

• With in-form Samir Nasri doubtful for the clash due to injury, Arsene Wenger will rely heavily on Cesc Fabregas to provide the attacking arsenal. The captain didn't have the best of games in last season's first leg clash, although he was undoubtedly the hero of the night for the home fans when he scored from the spot - with a broken leg - to level the tie and keep his side in the fight. Cesc will be eager to impress against a team who have been trying to lure him away from the Emirates, but it's the red-hot Van Persie that Barca should be worried about. The Dutchman has scored nine goals in his last five Premier League games and with defensive stalwart Carles Puyol struggling to recover in time after injury, Barcelona's backline could be easily exposed. 

•  Barca could've embarrassingly routed Arsenal at the Emirates last season. But having taken a two-goal lead, the Catalans proceeded to take their foot off the gas and grow complacent, allowing speed demon Theo Walcott to spark a comeback and salvage the first leg clash in a 2-2 draw. First, a sloppy pass by Sergio Busquets, then some slack defending which prompted Carles Puyol to clatter into Cesc Fabregas inside the box, gave the Gunners a free get-out-of-jail card, albeit only temporarily in the end.

So far this season, Barca have shown no signs of easing off during a game when they are in front, spanking opponents right, left and centre with goals galore. But Saturday's surprise 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon demonstrated that a lackadaisical approach can be costly for the Blaugrana.

 Well I think Barcelona should get their acts right as I strongly  feel that Arsenal is ready ready for a showdown at Camp Nou. What is your take on these, post your comments below.

Asenal ready to dump Bacelona out.

The Wonders or soccer.
Welcome, you have seen how Arsenal beat Barcelona a fourth night ago. It was really a surprise to many but to me that is football. Here I analyze the chances in which  Arsenal use to  over power Barcelona.

Midfield action between Xavi and Jack Wilsere.

• After the match Wenger revealed his star man would be out for three weeks, which would have ruled him out of the Barca clash.

But Nasri has recovered quicker than expected and has been training since late last week. He came through a fitness test on Monday and will again be tested on Tuesday before Wenger makes a decision on Nasri's involvement.

Arshavin celebrate his winning goal.

 If the Frenchman is available for selection it would provide a huge boost to the club. The 23-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, scoring 14 goals already this campaign.





















His performances have lit up the Premier League and pushed him forward as a candidate for player of the year.

It would also give Pep Guardiola's side another thing to think about and his direct dribbling style and sharpness in front of goal could cause the Catalan club problems.

• Dutch striker Van Persie was absent for both ties last year after missing most of the season with an ankle injury sustained on international duty with the Netherlands.

But this year both players are fit and forming an excellent partnership for Wenger's side, which came to the fore again on Saturday against Wolves when Fabregas picked out Van Persie, and the Dutchman finished the cross with a sweetly struck volley.

It was Van Persie's 10th Premier League goal in his last seven matches and showed why Wenger thinks this year's match with the Catalan club could well take on a different script.

It was the Spain star's ninth Premier League assist this term and Van Persie's 12th goal of the season in all competitions. 

Barca players celebrate their goal.

• But this season, after the addition of Marouane Chamakh to the squad, Arsenal have been more inclined to send balls into the box than in past seasons.

While it is still not Arsenal's strength, it has been an aspect of their game which has improved and it could be a vital weapon against Barcelona.

Guardiola's side have conceded eight of the 14 goals they have let in during the whole season from crosses into the box.

So if Arsenal's full-backs and wingers can get into good crossing positions it will be important for them to get their delivery into the box right.

Four of the eight goals Barca have conceded have also come from headers, so set-piece play could be an unusually strong weapon for the Gunners. The likes of Van Persie and Fabregas will have to be on the money so Arsenal can take advantage.

• Alex Song will have a vital role to play against Barcelona if Arsenal are to have any chance of progressing to the next round.

The Cameroon international is the Gunners' primary shield in front of the back four and he will have a tough job on his hands with the likes of Messi, Pedro, Xavi and Iniesta roaming around the field.

While Song does his job effectively against most of the Premier League teams and some of the lesser Champions League sides, he can sometimes be overrun on the counter-attack as his team-mates bomb forward.

Against Barcelona, Song will need assistance from team-mates tracking back and harassing the Barca players when they have the ball.

The return leg will be intriguing what is your take on these, post your comments below. 
-curl from goal.com