Such is the cost of finishing second in your Champions League group. Having performed heroics against Bayern Munich in October to overcome their woeful start to their European journey Arsenal now have to do it all over again against holders Barcelona. Twice.
Where Luis Enrique’s side rank among the greats of European club football may be a question for the history books but Barcelona set out on their quest to become the first back-to-back winners of the continent’s premier trophy since AC Milan 26 years ago as favourites.
In theory an Arsenal side that has struggled to find its best football since Christmas ought to pose little concern for the La Liga leaders but the gulf between the two sides was perhaps even greater on the last occasion they met at the Emirates in 2011. On that occasion Arsene Wenger’s side stunned Europe with a 2-1 victory that ranks among the Emirates greatest moments.
Overcoming Barcelona over two legs remains a challenge for Arsenal, who historically have matched their opposition at home but been torn apart at the Nou Camp. But a repeat of the upset of five years ago could be a major boon to the Gunners ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.
Date, time and venue
MesutOzilChamp.jpg
Arsenal host Barcelona at the Emirates on Tuesday 23 February with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Where to watch
The game will be live on BT Sport Europe from 7pm but Standard Sport will have all the team news, match action and reaction as it happens in north London with our live blog.
Last five matches
Arsenal 0 Hull 0 (20/2/16)
Arsenal vs Hull: Player Ratings 12
Arsenal 2 Leicester 1 (14/2/16)
Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 2 (7/2/16)
Arsenal 0 Southampton 0 (2/2/16)
Arsenal 2 Burnley 1 (30/1/16)
Team news and probable line ups
Wenger urges Arsenal to improve in front of goal ahead of Barca visit
Wenger has no new fitness concerns ahead of the Barcelona clash, with the cold that ruled Mesut Ozil out of the Hull cup tie not expected to pose any issues for Tuesday’s game.
Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere remain long-term absentees whilst Gabriel is unlikely to start having missed the past two matches with a hamstring injury.
Despite his recent struggles in front of goal Wenger may choose to start with Theo Walcott up front as he looks to replicate the lineup that enjoyed such success against Bayern Munich in a famous 2-0 win.
Barcelona’s only absentee is long-term injury concern Rafinha, whose cruciate ligament rupture has kept him out since September.
Luis Enrique rested the likes of Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic for Saturday’s victory over Las Palmas; they will join Sergio Busquets in returning to the side.
Where Luis Enrique’s side rank among the greats of European club football may be a question for the history books but Barcelona set out on their quest to become the first back-to-back winners of the continent’s premier trophy since AC Milan 26 years ago as favourites.
In theory an Arsenal side that has struggled to find its best football since Christmas ought to pose little concern for the La Liga leaders but the gulf between the two sides was perhaps even greater on the last occasion they met at the Emirates in 2011. On that occasion Arsene Wenger’s side stunned Europe with a 2-1 victory that ranks among the Emirates greatest moments.
Overcoming Barcelona over two legs remains a challenge for Arsenal, who historically have matched their opposition at home but been torn apart at the Nou Camp. But a repeat of the upset of five years ago could be a major boon to the Gunners ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.
Date, time and venue
MesutOzilChamp.jpg
Arsenal host Barcelona at the Emirates on Tuesday 23 February with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Where to watch
The game will be live on BT Sport Europe from 7pm but Standard Sport will have all the team news, match action and reaction as it happens in north London with our live blog.
Last five matches
Arsenal 0 Hull 0 (20/2/16)
Arsenal vs Hull: Player Ratings 12
Arsenal 2 Leicester 1 (14/2/16)
Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 2 (7/2/16)
Arsenal 0 Southampton 0 (2/2/16)
Arsenal 2 Burnley 1 (30/1/16)
Team news and probable line ups
Wenger urges Arsenal to improve in front of goal ahead of Barca visit
Wenger has no new fitness concerns ahead of the Barcelona clash, with the cold that ruled Mesut Ozil out of the Hull cup tie not expected to pose any issues for Tuesday’s game.
Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere remain long-term absentees whilst Gabriel is unlikely to start having missed the past two matches with a hamstring injury.
Despite his recent struggles in front of goal Wenger may choose to start with Theo Walcott up front as he looks to replicate the lineup that enjoyed such success against Bayern Munich in a famous 2-0 win.
Barcelona’s only absentee is long-term injury concern Rafinha, whose cruciate ligament rupture has kept him out since September.
Luis Enrique rested the likes of Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic for Saturday’s victory over Las Palmas; they will join Sergio Busquets in returning to the side.
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