Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Date: 23/02/2016
Kick-off: 07:45 PM GMT / 2:45 PM EST
Match
Arsenal News
Arsenal have enjoyed a decent season so far and remain in the hunt for honours in the Premier League, FA Cup as well as the Champions League.
However as recent history tells us, Arsenal tend to struggle during this particular stage of the campaign and it will be interesting to see how the Gunners acquit themselves this season.
In arguably the biggest game for Arsenal during the current campaign so far, they prepare to square off against Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night and the outcome of the game could potentially make or break the Gunners’ season.
Injury Doubts: Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky
Arsenal Probable Lineup: Cech; Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Bellerin; Coquelin, Ramsey, Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck; Giroud
Barcelona News
Barcelona have been in brilliant form this season and many believe that the Catalan giants are well on course of claiming another treble during the current campaign.
While Barcelona seem certain to earn triumph in La Liga as well as the Copa del Rey, the Champions League can be a different kettle of fish due to the intense competition and manager Luis Enrique will know that his side cannot take anything for granted.
Barcelona now prepare to face familiar foes Arsenal in the Round of 16 of the Champions League and although favourites, the defending champions will know that the clash is an extremely tough one.
Injury Doubts: Rafinha, Arda Turan (Suspended)
Barcelona Probable Lineup: ter Stegen; Alba, Pique, Mascherano, Alves; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Prediction
Barcelona and Arsenal have squared off against each other on numerous occasions during the past few seasons and it is usually the Spanish giants who come out on top.
Heading into Tuesday’s encounter, Barcelona have to be considered favourites once again and while they are expected to win, Arsenal should put up a good fight on the night.
Arsenal 1 – 2 Barcelona
Written by – Sarad Bade Shrestha
Comments
Sarad Bade Shrestha
Hailing from the beautiful Himalayan nation of Nepal, I am an avid football follower with an enormous passion for the world game. I believe that nothing in the world can match the emotional roller coaster which fans experience while supporting their beloved teams. Founder & Owner of TheEaglesFC.com