Arsenal vs. Barcelona: Who Should Start for the Gunners in the Second Leg?

A spark from Theo Walcott and some great perseverance ensured Arsenal came from the dead and drew their first leg quarterfinal Champions League encounter with European kings Barcelona.

The Gunners found themselves 2-0 down with half an hour remaining. With the North London side struggling with injuries and the dominance of the Spanish giants' play, it looked as if Barcelona had conquered Arsene Wenger's men. But in the last 25 minutes the play was all Arsenal. Some hard work and neat football saw them equalize and enable themselves to be right back in the clash.

Arsenal now travel to the Camp Nou which is sure to be a tough, tough challenge. Arsenal will be with out fearless leader Cesc Fabregas, veteran defender William Gallas, and Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin through injury. However, the Spaniards are also hit with woes. They lose central defensive pair Pique and Carlos Puyol through suspension.

It's sure to be a thrilling, nail biting encounter but who should start for the Gunners?

Goalkeeper

A impressive performance from Manuel Almunia ensured Barcelona only managed to find the back of the net twice. The Spaniard should retain his place with Lukasz Fabianski the deputy.

Defence

With William Gallas sustaining a calf injury in the first leg, he is unable to participate. This leaves Wenger with a tough decision: push defensive midfielder Alexandre Song into the backline or replace Gallas with Sol Campbell? The best option would be to blood Campbell into the center half. The 35-year-old is in good form and would bring experience to the back line whilst Song is better deployed in the midfield.

The routine back line will remain the same with Bacary Sagna at right back, Thomas Vermaelen the other center half, and Gael Clichy on the left.

Midfielders

With maestro and captain Cesc Fabregas out for the season, the in-form Samir Nasri will take his role. Nasri excels in the midfield role and now has a big opportunity to really show off his colours. A strong performance here and the footballing world will surely rate Samir Nasri at his highest.

Alexandre Song should take the defensive duties whilst Abou Diaby will perform down the left.

Forwards

Nicklas Bendtner, who has been in outstanding form, will once again take the main striker role with most likely Tomas Rosicky on the left and Theo Walcott on the right. Walcott's pace was such a huge asset to Arsenal's comeback last game, and although Barcelona will be eager to contain the speedster it just could provide the linchpin for Arsenal.

Substitutes 

Lukasz Fabianski will be the back-up keeper, Mikael Silvestre and Armand Traore the back-up defenders. Thus leaves Emmanuel Eboue, Denilson, Eduardo, and Carlos Vela to occupy the remaining four places.

So an exciting encounter is ahead of the footballing world and what ever the result it's sure to be a memorable match.