Barca Preview: Arsene’s selection dilemmas
28 comments March 8th, 2011
There’s a rather big game on today.
This evening, Arsenal will face Barcelona for a place in the Champions League Quarter-Finals. After we took the first leg 2-1 in dramatic fashion, the tie is delicately poised.
It presents this Arsenal team with fresh tactical challenges. A 0-0 would be good enough to take us through, though any kind of strategy dependent on Barca failing to score is more folly than foolproof.
Arsenal have to try and present some sort of attacking threat – a goal at the Nou Camp cancels out Villa’s from the Emirates, and means Barca will need to score a minimum of three to win the tie. They’re perfectly capable of it – let’s not forget Messi scored four in this fixture last season – but it’s a much bigger ask than 1-0 win, which is currently all they need.
When we lost their 4-1 a year ago, we were without Cesc Fábregas, Andrey Arshavin, Alex Song, Van Persie and William Gallas. We have absentees again this time round: Vermaelen, Song and Walcott have all remained at home. There was however a huge boost with the news that Robin van Persie has travelled. Whilst the results of his final fitness tests are not yet known, his potential availability comes as a surprise and a lift.
Arsene has three selection dilemmas to face.
Replacing Song
In a game where you face the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi, losing your best defensive midfielder is a significant blow. However, it’s worth remembering that we managed to turn around the game at the Emirates with Song off the pitch – having been yellow carded, he was withdrawn and replaced by eventual match-winner Andrey Arshavin.
In that instance, the midfield trio became one comprised of Cesc, Wilshere, and Nasri. Tonight, Arsene will want to add a player who has more natural ball-winning capabilities. It comes down to a straight choice between Denilson and Diaby, neither of whom were particularly impressive in Saturday’s draw with Sunderland.
Although he’s naturally a more attacking player, I’d go for Diaby. He plays the role regularly for France, and most importantly his quick feet and long stride can provide an outlet on the counter-attack, which could be essential this evening.
The central striker
Until yesterday this was seen as a straight fight between Bendtner and Chamakh. However, Van Persie’s possible availability changes everything. Neither alternative has the Dutchman’s undoubted combination of finesse and form.
If Robin can start, I’d rather he played an hour from kick-off and then was withdrawn. The first goal will be so crucial in this game, and frankly he’s much more likely to get it than either the Moroccan or the Dane.
If Van Persie doesn’t make it, I’d go for Chamakh. Bendtner might be the man in some semblance of form, but Chamakh has Champions League experience and a superior work-rate. I also think Bendtner is the more effective substitute, and remains a good option from the bench.
Arshav-in or out?
Andrey Arshavin is undergoing something of a renaissance. The injury to Theo Walcott has allowed him back in to the first-team picture and his performances have undoubtedly improved. However, he remains a maverick who, whilst ostensibly deployed as a left-winger, plays a free role. His defensive responsibilities are minimal, and he wanders in and across field looking for space.
Barcelona’s right back, Dani Alves, is one of their greatest attacking threats. We cannot afford to run the risk of leaving Gael Clichy isolated against the Brazilian. Arsene could look to play either Tomas Rosicky or Abou Diaby on the left flank in the hope they’ll track Alves more diligently than Arshavin seems capable of. The number 23 could then be used as an impact sub, as he was in the first leg.
There are other alternatives: Arshavin could swap to the right with Nasri playing from the left. Equally, we could just ask the Russian to actually attempt to play more conservatively. I’m just not convinced he has it in him.
I find this the hardest to call. Arsene will remember the impact Arshavin had as a sub in the first leg. Does that make him a starter in this game, or will he look to repeat the trick?
–
At the moment my best guess as to our team is this:
Szczesny
Sagna Djourou Koscielny Clichy
Diaby Wilshere
Nasri Fabregas Arshavin
Chamakh
Not our strongest team, but strong enough to do it.
Come On You Gunners.
