Andy Gray's Arsenal versus Barcelona tips
There are plenty of similarities between Arsenal and Barcelona in terms of how they approach the game. Both consider possession to be king and though they can defend with the best of them and are masters at the art of pressing, essentially they're two teams who believe games are won by attacking and taking chances rather than sitting back and trying to hit the opposition with a sucker punch.
The second leg of the tie when these two met last year was a pretty one-sided affair with Barcelona depriving Arsenal of the ball for long periods of the game and having them on the ropes from very early on. But the first leg was a pretty even contest and I'm pretty confident Wednesday's match will be a lot more similar to that one than the match at the Nou Camp.
The aberration at Newcastle aside, Arsenal have been pretty good in recent weeks and I've already talked elsewhere about the impact Robin van Persie has made since his return from injury.
The other man I've been hugely impressed with, Samir Nasri, may be available after injury and if he is that would be some boost to the Gunners. Better still, Barcelona's incredible run of wins in La Liga came to an end on Saturday night with a draw at Sporting Gijon so maybe they're not at their absolute best just now.
Barcelona are justifiable favourites to progress and I wouldn't be rushing to back Arsene Wenger's side to make the quarters. That said, I wouldn't put anyone off backing Arsenal to win the first leg at [4.1] because home advantage counts for so much at this level but the better bet is to go with a high-scoring game and I'm backing the in-form van Persie to be amongst the goals.
Recommended Bets:
Back over 3.5 goals at [2.8]
Back Robin van Persie to score at anytime at [3.5]
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Published: 16 Feb 2011
Horace Horlicks (February 16, 2011 6:38 PM) said:
Hello there Andy,
I disagree with some of your comments. The probable reason Barcelona's winning streak came to an end recently was that they rested key players. And why did they rest these key players?
Because they have a very high regard for Arsenal and realize that they could be the main stumbling block on their ambition to regain their Champions League trophy. I have the opinion that the opposite of what you say will be true. The two great attacking teams will cancel each other out, and far from being a feast of goals this could be a very low scoring encounter. I'm predicting a 0-0 draw.
Best Wishes Horace
Methusaleh Chiropodopolos (February 17, 2011 4:57 PM) said:
I think Horace Horlicks is a bit of a twit and knows nothing at all about football.