Breaking Down Arsenal's Champions League Opponents Barcelona

It felt so inevitable. As soon as Arsenal made it through to the knockout stage and saw the list of potential opponents, the supporters may as well have booked their flights. Arsenal vs. Barcelona is a tie that seemed destined to happen.

There’s a recurring theme to Arsenal’s Champions League campaigns, and it’s early ties against European giants like Barca and Bayern Munich. Having already faced the Germans this season, the Gunners must now face off against Luis Enrique’s brilliant Catalan outfit.

Barcelona are currently top of La Liga with 35 points from 15 games and an outstanding goal difference of plus-21. This is as tough a task as Arsenal could have possibly faced.

In some respects, Barcelona’s team is one that requires little introduction. Their front line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is arguably the most star-studded attack in world football. The trio will also pose the greatest threat to Arsenal.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Messi and Suarez will be more familiar foes than Neymar. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal tried to lure a young Messi to north London at the outset of his career, only for him to decide to remain in Barcelona. That decision has already haunted Arsenal in the past: Back in 2010, the Argentinian forward scored all of his team's four goals as Barca demolished the Gunners.

As for Suarez, there is plenty of history between him and Arsenal—not least the Gunners ill-fated move to capture him from Liverpool in July 2013. Andy Hunter of the Guardian reported on their controversial bid of £40,000,001, which incensed Liverpool’s owners and killed any chance of a deal dead.

With an attacking trio with so much speed, intelligent movement and interchanging, Wenger will have to think carefully about the precise composition of the back four. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are the established central-defensive partnership, but could Wenger consider introducing Gabriel Paulista alongside Koscielny for his quick reflexes and recovery speed?

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Barcelona’s midfield has evolved significantly under Enrique. Xavi and Cesc Fabregas are gone, and in their stead, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic have formed a trio characterised by precise passing and perpetual motion.

How exactly Arsenal will choose to combat them remains to be seen, as they’re likely to still be without their first-choice midfield pairing of Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin. Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are currently filling the void, but by the time the Barca game comes around, Wenger may have supplemented his options in the transfer market.

If there’s an area where Arsenal might feel they can get at Barca, it’s at the back. Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano are a fine centre-back pairing, but rarely will they encounter forwards with the power of Olivier Giroud or the raw pace of Theo Walcott. Similarly on the flank, Dani Alves’ speed and stamina will be sorely tested by former Barcelona man Alexis Sanchez.

With two teams committed to playing such attractive football, this promises to be an enthralling encounter. Arsenal may feel that being underdogs will take the pressure off them somewhat. Win, and it’s a huge boost to their season. Lose, and they can focus on their very real chances of winning the Premier League.

It’s a difficult tie, but it’s also the sort of glamourous occasion that makes competing in the Champions League worthwhile. Arsenal fans should look ahead to Barcelona’s visit with anticipation rather than anxiety. This will surely be a game to remember, whatever the outcome.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.