Champions League Preview: Why Arsenal Must Buy To Beat Barcelona

Arsenal have drawn FC Barcelona in the knockout stages of the Champions League once again and everybody is asking is whether Arsene Wenger's men can do the impossible and beat Barcelona this time around. Last Season, Arsenal did well at the Emirates, coming back from two-nil down to take a draw to Camp Nou. Captain Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie missed the game, but Nicklas Bendtner scored to put Arsenal over on aggregate.

Then Messi woke up and tore apart the Arsenal defence. The little Argentinian played a part in all four goals to send Arsenal home. Most are expecting the same this time around and is a scary thought for Arsenal fans, as Barca Messi have been in even better and more formidable form than last season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have had a weird start to the season. The Premier League title is still up for play, as Arsenal and the rest of the top five have been uncharacteristically inconsistent this season. The Gunners have already lost five times this season, but are still within two points off the top and play Chelsea at home Monday night.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are ripping teams apart. Recently, El Classico demonstrated Barca's superiority over the Spanish League when Barcelona thrashed arch-rival Real Madrid with an astonishing 5-0 demolition.

So have the Gunners got a chance?

Well you can never say never in football. If Arsenal stay injury free this time around, things can happen for them. By far the Gunners' best player, this season has witnessed the rebirth of Nasri. The addition of Chamakh gives Arsene Wenger a different dimension and based on his scoring ratio, the Moroccan has been the team's best free player.

But Arsenal have been frail in defence. Squillaci is not up to pace and the idea of him dealing with Messi is giving me headaches. Vermaelen needs to play both games if Arsenal are to have any chance. I think one tough defender should be brought in.

The mentality of the players need to be positive and focused only on winning. I know the Gunners always say the same thing but when they play the big boys in the league, they come unstuck.

Arsenal must pack up the midfield with strong, tough tacklers. Throw in Diaby and Song in there just to sit in front of the back four. Let Fabregas, Nasri and Arshavin free to roam. The latter needs to give us a decent performance, I have not been impressed by him this season.

But all of that is way in the future. Many will write and talk, but only 180 minutes will decide their fate. For now, Arsenal face Chelsea. The first game after Christmas and I predict a definite cracker!

Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Chelsea