The Transfer Tavern is sure to be rocking this evening when Arsenal play host to European giants Barcelona, in a mammoth Champions League tie that pits two quality sides up against one another.
Whilst Barcelona, defending European champions no less, will be rated favourites to advance past the two legs, many of the Gooners in the bar are confident that they can overcome the Catalan giants this evening.
Arsenal, of course, famously beat Barcelona five years ago with a squad far inferior to the side that the Gunners currently boast and this has only increased the belief amongst those in the bar that Arsenal have a strong chance of defying the odds this evening.
Our landlord was intrigued by the belief of the Arsenal fans in the bar, wondering if it was purely just blind optimism, and he’s asked them to detail five reasons as to why they believe Arsene Wenger’s men can overcome the might of Catalonia this evening.
Hit Wenger below to see FIVE reasons why Arsenal will emerge victorious tonight!
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Best Arsenal side in years
Arsenal’s current squad boasts a list of names that many in world football dream of having, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech being the stand-out superstars in the Gunners extremely talented squad.
As well as these key-players, Arsenal’s squad is breaming with capable performers that include Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin- all of whom are amongst the best in their relevant positions in the Premier League.
As such, Arsenal seem to have assembled a squad in recent years capable of going toe-to-toe against the best in the world. It’s a far cry from the team Barcelona knocked out five years ago, where that side included Nicklas Bendtner, Wojciech Szczesny and co.
Full of confidence
Arsenal will be full of confidence having turned around their Champions League struggles in the final games of the group stage, whilst they’re also flying-high in the Premier League as they search for their first league title in 12 years.
The Gunners are also looking strong in their quest for a third successive FA Cup and Arsenal will have confidence that they can beat anyone, having blitzed past some massive names already this season- including Bayern Munich.
Arsenal have beaten Barcelona before with a much weaker side, so that will only increase their confidence.
Nothing to lose
Whilst Arsenal have confidence and an extremely talented squad, they simply have nothing to lose as they have remained unfenced ever since the draw was made. Barcelona are regarded as the best side in world football, so nobody expects Arsenal to progress.
That eases the pressure upon Arsenal this evening, as the media and large sections of supporters believe Barcelona have the tie in the bag, so the Gunners can head into the game with little expectations and no pressure to perform.
If Barcelona were to win the tie comfortably, Arsenal should by no means be ashamed.
Performances against big sides
Arsenal have been superb against top sides this season and they’re the only side in the Premier League’s top four to remain unbeaten against the sides around them- whilst they’re the only side to beat Leicester City twice this season.
On top of this, Arsenal secured a remarkable win in the group stages against Bayern Munich and had it all to do when they faced Olympiakos. The Gunners also blitzed past Manchester United in the early stages of the campaign and have looked strong.
There’s no fear in this Arsenal side and that will be crucial.
Petr Cech
The problem with playing Barcelona is that the Catalans will always have chances and they will always be fancied to score. With Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez amongst their ranks, that’s hardly surprising.
However, in Petr Cech Arsenal have a goalkeeper who has a chance of keeping Barcelona out of the net. He has a strong record against the Catalan side from his time with Chelsea and he’s already saved Arsenal on numerous occasions this season.
If Arsenal are to emerge victorious tonight, they need this man at his very best.
