Champions League Second Leg: Arsenal vs. Roma

John Arne Riise said it best before the first leg between Arsenal and Roma when he said that Arsenal show their best in Champions league. 

Although finishing was a problem for Arsenal, they kept Roma from getting the all important away goal that is so valuable in the Champions League.  They also kept Roma flat footed and off balance with their quick play.  Even Roma were surprised by how well Arsenal came out. 

Although Arsenal have started a good run of form scoring three goals against West Brom and a very winnable match against Burnly on Sunday, they should not underestimate the weapons that Roma possess including the Stadio Olimpico. 

Roma will come out hard and fast playing in front of their home crowd and the home for the Champions League Final.  It will not be an easy game for Arsenal's youngsters to deal with, so who will we look for to pull the Gunners through.

Niklas Bendtner is hungry for goals and is making the best of his opportunity while Adebayor is out.  With the possibility of Walcott being available for the game on Wednesday this could provide Bendtner with a great chance to get his head on the ball.

The central midfield has been Arsenal's weakness with the absence of Cesc Fabregas so Arsenal will most likely look to Abou Diaby who played a great game in the first leg, but also showed that he is inconsistent with a poor display against Fulham. 

If Wenger has finally realized that Nasri's best position is really in the center, Arsenal will be looking to get the ball to him as much as possible.  Even though he has not scored for a while, he has looked hungry and committed to every game. 

Eboue has looked well too, after his red card incident, making great drives towards goal and influencing the game, but his inability to finish may be the deciding factor on him even getting the start.  With Walcott training again, look for him to get his spot back on the right side.

The key players for the game are William Gallas, Samir Nasri, and Niklas Bendtner.  Gallas has a tough job with Totti, while Wenger will look to Nasri to lead the midfield, and Bendtner to score goals and prove he's not just a super sub.

Players Arsenal should be aware of include the ever dangerous Totti even though Arsenal did a good job of maintaining him and limiting him on the ball, he can change a game in a heartbeat.  John Arne Riise has a devastating left foot and is a very danger left back as well. 

Fortunately for the Gunners Danielle De Rossi picked up a yellow card after a reckless challenge on Samir Nasri forcing him to sit the second leg out.

Arsenal have a tough game ahead of them but the renewed determination of the team will pull them through and the soon return of many key players will bring the spirits up of many of the players.