Strap in

On Saturday evening, with Gooners everywhere licking their wounds after Birmingham's last-gasp equaliser, the clock went forward, thereby signalling the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Not that you'd know that this afternoon. Islington is host today to some distinctly unseasonal weather, grey skies, an icy wind and the threat of imminent rain ensuring that Barcelona will step onto the pitch tonight in conditions they might not appreciate too much.

Perhaps our boys won't either, but unlike their Catalan opponents, they are at least used to it. And no, I'm not suggesting for one minute that this rather unpleasant weather is what is going to win the game for Arsenal tonight, but it won't do us any harm. What I feel is important is that we go out there tonight and play our own game our way. Of course, we should be mindful of the threat that Barcelona possess, but we shouldn't be talking about dropping Gaël Clichy to put a right back on the left side of our defence. Whether it is Sagna or Eboue, some might call it tactical tinkering, I call it over thinking. Sagna is a right back and should play at right back. If Eboue is to play anywhere, you would expect him to play ahead of Sagna to give the Frenchman the kind of cover Sagna would not normally expect.

We should trust the improving Clichy to be able to deal with Messi, but also recognise that the team as a whole can help Clichy to stop Messi, by cutting out his supply in the first place, or by doubling up on him. What I'm saying is that whilst I don't expect us to give Messi any special attention, we shouldn't be leaving Clichy to his own devices with Messi, he will need help from whoever plays in front of him- Arshavin most likely.

One thing that I think needs to be emphasised ahead of this clash is the fact that Arsenal, due to the slightly stricter refereeing we get in Europe, are usually able to generate quite a tempo to their football and with the likes of Nasri, Arshavin and, assuming fitness, Cesc we have the players capable of creating a frightening momentum this evening. That is, of course, predicated on Arsenal having the ball in the ball in the first place. And it is there that Alex Song, who I fully expect to return to midfield in place of the less dynamic Denilson, will have a critical role in front of the defence.

I spent a while talking yesterday of the choice between Gallas and Campbell. And I surmised that Gallas would be given the nod ahead of the veteran Englishman, although I would prefer Campbell. I think, having had a night to sleep on it, and naturally having read other opinions, that it is probably the right decision to send Gallas into battle. The rationale is simple: play the best team you have available, Gallas is our best centre back (sorry Thomas, but he is) and so I think he should play. Sol's not bad back up to have on the bench, if Gallas breaks down again, is he?

Speaking of Thomas, he has been talking ahead of tonight's clash and has spoken of the importance of not being intimidated tonight:

"We are not focussed on individuals, because we have to play our own game and play as a team. You do not have to be nervous or look at individual players. You have to be focused on your own performance and the team's performance. You cannot look at how great Messi is, because you have to play your own game. It is one of the biggest games you can play in, against one of the best sides in the world," he said. However, it is important to play as a team and hopefully we can show how good we are."

I think he thinks it's important that we play as a team and focus on our own game! Seriously though, he makes a good point. Though, I would say that as he reinforces the point I was making earlier about not dropping Clichy for fear of the quality of Messi, but he is beginning to sound like a true disciple of Wenger. He went on and said:

"We have to be mentally strong and we have showed that this season. If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the best teams. I have no time to be proud. I am still only 24 and there is room for me to develop as a player. I am happy at the moment, but things can be better in the future."

I love the cut of this boy's jib. So determined to improve, I don't think it's in any doubt that Vermaelen has it in him to become a huge player in the history of this great football club. Tonight could be a huge step in that direction for the young Belgian.

Let's give Thierry the welcome back that he deserves and then make sure he spends the next two hours regretting the day that he walked out of Arsenal Football Club. It's (almost) time to strap in and enjoy the ride. Enjoy the game, wherever you are.

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