Do Not Sell My Personal Information
It’s interesting that the bookmakers are pricing an Arsenal victory in tonight’s fixture at the same listing that Arsenal trade at to progress to the next stage of the Champions League. Barcelona, the favourite to ultimately hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament, are odds-on to win tonight’s affair, but only just, with most major bookmakers giving them a 10/11 listing. Arsenal reward at an enticing 11/4 to pull off what would be one of the most dramatic victories the Emirates has seen in its short tenure.
Easily the marquee match-up of this leg of the competition, Arsenal need to be fearless for the entire 90 minutes and this side has proven in the past that, on their day, they can tangle with nearly any side on the planet. Getting revenge for our quarter-final exit last season is definitely the priority and if we can display enough steel in midfield then there’s definitely a chance we can take the first leg.
The key to playing against Barcelona is never to sit back and simply let them come at you – this side will always find a way to score. Xavi is the key to Barcelona’s attacking engine and if Arsenal can shackle him and cut off service to Messi and Villa then we’ll be forcing them out of their comfort zone. Our reputation for silky-smooth football generally goes out the window when we match up against sides like Barca and you can look for our lads to put in some tough challenges and try to hassle Barcelona players for the full 90.
The bookmakers expect this one to be a bit tighter than you might expect – a fact clearly indicated by the over 2.5 goals price of 8/13. Over 3.5 goals is trading at 13/8 and that’s a lengthy price for two sides that boast so many match-winners. Barcelona are odds-on to score first, carrying a 4/6 price, while Arsenal are listed at 6/4.
Anyone who fancies a lower-scoring affair would do well to delve into the half-time/full-time market and opt for Barca to lead at half-time but Arsenal to pull off the draw in the second half. You’re looking at 14/1 for that to happen while a draw at half-time followed by an Arsenal victory pays out at 8/1. Arsenal to lead at half-time and Barca to win the match pays a lengthy 22/1.
It’s likely not a huge surprise that Lionel Messi is the favourite to score with most bookmakers pricing him at even money to grab an anytime goal. Robin van Persie is trading at 13/8 while David Villa is sitting at 7/4. Samir Nasri has been included in the squad for this one and his 7/2 price could be just the ticket.
One of Barcelona’s weak points is defending at set-pieces and other dead-ball situations. Getting the defenders up for corners is going to be key and backing any of Arsenal’s back four to grab a goal would pay out an extremely tidy price. Alex Song will be one to keep an eye on as well and he’s 9/1 to grab a goal at any point.
