Wenger: OptimisticVilla’s away goal could prove crucial, Barcelona are no bigger than 1.33 shots to qualify for the quarter-finals, but Arsenal should be sided with at the prices tonight and I want to back them on the handicaps.
Tuesday’s clash at the Nou Camp pits together two managerial greats in the shape of home coach Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger but while it is the Spaniard, and his team, that have been hogging the headlines over the past 24 months the latter should not be underestimated.
Wenger will be buoyed enormously with the news that Cesc Fabregas looks certain to be fit for the game at the famous stadium, where his career began, and his blossoming relationship with Jack Wilshere for the Gunners in midfield is a joy to behold.
They come up against the very best, of course, in Xavi and Andreas Iniesta, but if Arsenal can frustrate for long enough they might just have a chance and even a narrow defeat with a 1.50 goal head start would still prove profitable.
Since the first leg in north London, neither team has been at their brilliant best but this has very much been the focus since the original clash and news that Robin van Persie, following injury, has also travelled with the squad is a positive.
The Dutchman may only be fit enough for a place on the bench but is a match-winner and could prove the difference if it remains close in the dying stages.
I fancy Arsenal to score tonight, bagging two would really complicate things for the hosts, and extra-time to me looks a distinct possibility.
Whatever the outcome, it is one not to be missed and hopefully a memorable one, for the right reasons, for the Premier League club.