New Delhi: The pick of Champions league quarter final round has to be the match between Arsenal and Barcelona. Out of the remaining eight in this tournament these two sides are arguably the sides who play most stylish and attractive football. Both the sides are known for their expansive style of game.
Barcelona are the overwhelming favourites to defend their title in the final in Madrid on May 26, but it's still a tough road ahead because Arsene Wenger's side would not be a cakewalk. Arsenal's style of football is as similar as Barca's. It would surely be a mouth-watering contest between these two sides.
Both the sides are famous for playing an attacking 4-3-3 style, so goals are guaranteed and for the neutrals it would be a lip-smacking contest.
The match will also see the former Gunner Thierry Henry return to play against his former side where he spent eight years of his career. He has already stated that it would be very difficult for him to play against his former team and teammates.
Arsenal are in brilliant form in both European and domestic leagues. Arsenal moved into the last eight at the expense of FC Porto when they crushed them 5-0 despite missing their skipper and by far the best player of their season: Cesc Fabregas.
Though Arsenal are in tremendous form, their line-up is weaker than Barcelona with the likes of Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henry and Xavi driving much of the attacking force for the defending champions.
Arsenal's main inspiration would be Fabregas who is already in doubt of this match after he picked up an injury against Birmingham City on Saturday. It would be a big ask for Arsenal if Fabregas does not play in this match.
Wonder boy Lionel Messi has been in the form of his life this season with eight goals in his last four matches in the Spanish League. He has already been compared to the likes of Pele and Maradona by some greats. If Arsenal want to get anything out of this match they have to find out a way to stop this man from getting in his stride.
Arsenal's home record this season in the Champions League has been impeccable, conceding just one goal from there last four games while scoring 13. On the other hand Barcelona's away form has been patchy in Europe this season.
So come March 31, one of these teams has to change their style of playing otherwise a battering is on the cards in an electric footballing clash.
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