“Individuals might win matches, but groups win titles,” Former Brazil coach and captain DungaCome 16th February, a mouth watering clash awaits us, FC Barcelona versus Arsenal, a replay of last year’s Champions League Quarterfinals.
Both Arsenal and Barcelona have near-identical philosophies, and are doing well in their domestic leagues. Guardiola, has the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Messi, the three musketeer’s to boost his ranks while Wenger’s first squad features Samir Nasri, Van Persie and Fabregas. Wenger’s big problem may be adapting his tactics to cope with a potential dearth of possession against the best passing outfit in world football.
Barcelona’s defensive record this season has been phenomenal which has less to do with the quality of their defenders than it does their refusal to give their opponents the ball.
Lionel Messi v Gael Clichy
Clichy was impressive when Arsenal played Arsenal in the first leg of their quarter finals last year. Curbing his attacking flairs and staying in position would be a key to stopping Messi from running havoc at the Emirates.
Emmanuel Eboue is also tipped to start the game given the fact that he is right footballed, and would prevent Messi cutting in from the right. Messi has not been in spectacular form as off late and the bulk of Barcelona’s scoring in the last few Liga games has come from David Villa and Pedro. Perhaps, a center stage like this is required for Messi to run havoc at Emirates.
Alex Song/Fabregas v Xavi
Cameroon international Song is most likely to be given the responsibility of cutting the supply line to Barcelona’s forwards at the heart of the Gunners midfield. Xavi, Barcelona’s midfield general is unlikely to give away any cheap possession in key areas and rarely plays a bad pass. Moving the ball at speed from man to man, and from one channel to another, makes space. Here Xavi and Cesc Fabregas will be the key. Once they sense they have opened up a gap, they are capable of sliding a penetrative pass to a forward.Whoever wins this midfield battle is most likely to take the game.
Cameroon international Song is most likely to be given the responsibility of cutting the supply line to Barcelona’s forwards at the heart of the Gunners midfield. Xavi, Barcelona’s midfield general is unlikely to give away any cheap possession in key areas and rarely plays a bad pass. Moving the ball at speed from man to man, and from one channel to another, makes space. Here Xavi and Cesc Fabregas will be the key. Once they sense they have opened up a gap, they are capable of sliding a penetrative pass to a forward.Whoever wins this midfield battle is most likely to take the game.Samir Nasri v the Defense
Samir Nasri is the main threat for Barcelona. He has displayed great skills in the League this season and has been in phenomenal form. He is most likely to cut into the final half through the wing and both Puyol and Pique would have to try and stop his clever passes. In the midfield, he is also likely to run into Busquets who himself has been in good form and it would be interesting to see what strategy Pep plays to try and curb the Nasri threat.
Barcelona’s overall strategy would be to keep possession and hence make sure that they control the game. Man to man, Barcelona is much more stronger than Arsenal but it would be interesting to see what strategy Wenger deploys this time around.
Cant wait.
Samir Nasri is the main threat for Barcelona. He has displayed great skills in the League this season and has been in phenomenal form. He is most likely to cut into the final half through the wing and both Puyol and Pique would have to try and stop his clever passes. In the midfield, he is also likely to run into Busquets who himself has been in good form and it would be interesting to see what strategy Pep plays to try and curb the Nasri threat.
Barcelona’s overall strategy would be to keep possession and hence make sure that they control the game. Man to man, Barcelona is much more stronger than Arsenal but it would be interesting to see what strategy Wenger deploys this time around.
Cant wait.
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