Barcelona v Arsenal
UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal 2nd Leg
Camp Nou – Barcelona, Spain
6 April 2010 – 19:45 GMT
Defending UEFA Champions League Barcelona host Arsenal in the second leg after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
Barcelona v Arsenal Preview
The two teams played a very entertaining first leg the Emirates but Barcelona missed a few chances. They were dominating the match in the first half and could have scored several goals. These missed opportunities could come back to haunt Barcelona who will be without their two starting centerbacks (Puyol and Pique) for the match due to suspension.
Both teams are without several key players including Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas who is out for suspension and because of a season ending leg injury suffered in the first leg. Andrey Arshavin and William Gallas were also injured in last week’s match and won’t be available on Tuesday. Without several of their top players, Arsenal will have to rely players such as Denilson and Theo Walcott. Walcott provided a spark in the first leg as a second half substitute and his speed can trouble can any defense.
Barcelona will be without striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is out with a calf injury. The core of Barcelona’s team, Xavi and Lionel Messi, will be available on Tuesday night at the Camp Nou. Messi did not have his best performance in the first leg but is always capable of breaking down defenses.
Arsenal’s goalkeeping problems were exposed last week’s and could be an issue in the second leg. Almunia made some great saves in the first half but was in poor position on the first Barca goal. The Gunners goalkeeper is prone to mistakes and arguably one of the worst in the EPL.
Barcelona do not need to score in the match but they by nature play attacking and aggressive football. Arsenal needs to score and will have to send players forward. This combination will make for lots of chances and probably several goals. The Gunners have players like Theo Walcott who can create chances. Barcelona should advance but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the visitors get an upset.
Barcelona v Arsenal Prediction
Barcelona will win the match 2-1 and advance 4-3 on aggregate.Watch Barcelona v Arsenal Live Online
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