UEFA Champions League Arsenal vs. Barcelona: Predicting the Gunners' Starting XI

The match World Football is eager to witness, two of the most entertaining, clinical and attacking sides in Europe going head to head once again in the UEFA Champions League: Arsenal vs. Barcelona. Arguably this encounter will be the most anticipated and watched of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, and for good reason as this match is certain to be more entertaining, goal fuelled and intense than last campaign.

Last season saw the two giants meet in the quarter final in which Barcelona eventually stole the show. An intense first leg at the Emirates saw the Gunners claw there way back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. However in the second leg at Barcelona's notorious Camp Nou, an injury stricken Arsenal outfit was thrashed 4-1 after Argentine dynamo Lionel Messi tormented the Gunners back line securing all four goals.

But this time around Arsene Wenger's men boast a virtually fully fit line up that is capable of defeating the kings of Spain. The first leg is at the Arsenal home ground the Emirates and the North London giants are in a rich vein of form and will take some stopping. Take nothing away from Barcelona however, Pep Guardiola's men have dominated the La Liga and sit atop the Spanish league with 20 wins and just a mere loss.

Both sides thrive on fast, one touch attack rather than out an out physicality. The array of attacking prowess and creative talent that will take to the pitch on Wednesday night (GMT) is phenomenal and the skill set to be showcased will be superb.

However although Barcelona enter the encounter firm favourites to advance to the quarter finals, Arsenal are more than capable of shocking World Football, with the mastermind of Arsene Wenger at the helm and a considerably stronger squad than last campaign, anything can happen.

Let's predict the Arsenal starting XI.

Goalkeeper

After receiving the first choice keeper role in October, Polish shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski has been ruled out of the season and will undoubtedly miss the encounter. This ensures boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy, whose presence has filled the Arsenal goal since December, will make his European debut against Barcelona.

Experienced keeper Manuel Almunia will receive the deputy but one cannot rule out the fact that Wenger may opt for experience in such a daunting encounter which could see Almunia receive a shock start. Albeit the scenario seems unlikely as Szczensy has been in immense form and will relish the chance to fault the flowing Barcelona attack.

Defenders

Arsenal achilles tendon, Barcelona will be eager to take on the occasionally inconsistent Arsenal attack with the likes of Lionel Messi and David Villa likely to cause headache. However unlike last season when the Gunners boasted Thomas Vermaelen and the nervy Mikael Silvestre in their centre half. Arsenal will boast one of the inform central defensive partnerships in the EPL.

Imposing Swiss Johan Djourou and Frenchman Laurent Koscienly have formed a formidable partnership that has been integral in Arsenal's thirteen match unbeaten run since December. The pair have conceded just three goals in their last ten matches which epitomizes their understanding and strength.

If Arsenal are to stand a sporting chance, the pair will not only have to be routine solid in the air but their speed and sharp tackling will have to be first class. Fortunately the duo are well equipped to deal with one of the best attacks in World Football and have confidence and form on their side.

At right back Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue will receive a rare start as predominant right back Bacary Sagna is suspended for the encounter having received a red card in Arsenal's last UEFA Champions League match in December. Eboue will provide a penetrating attack down the right and unlike Sagna, incisive crossing. However the Ivory Coast international does not boast the defending traits and speed of his teammate, which could prove a problem.

On the left Gael Clichy will start as expected and is likely to have to endure Lionel Messi for long periods of time. Barcelona often play a three man forward line not unlike Arsenal's and although the Spanish attack intertwine, Messi is destined to play most of his football on the right.

The Argentine scored four last time the giants dined and although Wenger will not want to get to engulfed in man marking, there is no denying Messi is a huge threat. Frenchman Sebastien Squillaci and English international Kieran Gibbs will take on bench roles.

Midfielders

The orchestras of the beautiful Arsenal attack. Just what can Arsenal's midfield trio produce to break the renown Barcelona defence? One man Barcelona will have a very big eye on is captain Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard was once a part of the Barcelona youth system and ever since the 23 year old departed the Camp Nou for Arsenal, the Spanish kings have tried every ploy to entice Fabregas back.

However "Cesc" dons the Arsenal colours and his contribution will be vital for Arsenal's success. Fabregas will fulfil the attacking midfield role and behind him will be the ever present and reliable Alexandre Song. The Cameroon international will take on the defensive midfield duties as the 23-year-old attempts to aid in both defence and attack.

The remaining spot will be contested between Frenchman Abou Diaby and teenager Jack Wilshere. In what will be arguably the biggest game of Wilshere's Arsenal career so far, Wenger may opt for experience and size in Diaby rather than youth and pace.

Diaby is currently serving an EPL suspension and miss Arsenal's weekend victory over Wolves, thus ensuring the French international boasts fresh legs. However Jack Wilshere was superb against Wolverhampton and has been a consistent presence all season a rarely seems over awed by big occasions. However the English young gun will be nursing fatigued legs have played ninety minutes against Wolves and another ninety mid week for England.

Diaby is likely to get the nod in a slightly more defensive role to Fabregas whilst Tomas Rosicky and Denilson contest for a bench role.

Forwards

Two of the most inform and clinical forwards are in Arsenal's armoury and can provide the lynch pin to shoot Arsenal to victory. Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie have the ability to find the necessary goals for Arsenal and leave Barcelona in their wake.

Despite playing mid week and against Wolves, Walcott will start on the right wing where the Englishman's pace is the catalyst in Arsenal's attack. Sharp shooter Robin van Persie, has scored 12 goals in 19 appearances this season, ten of which in his last eight games. The Dutchman will fulfil the lone striker role and will thrive under the slightly less physical Barcelona back line.

The main pressing question however remains on the left wing and whether Arsenal's player of the season so far Samir Nasri, will be fit for the encounter. Nasri injured his hamstring at the end of January in an FA Cup match against Huddersfield and has not featured since.

The Frenchman is said to be in good fitness but whether Wenger will opt to use his French dynamo remains to be unseen. It is likely that Nasri will receive a bench role and may feature as an impact player in the later stages of the match.

This will see Russian dynamo, who has returned to form in recent weeks, start on the left, potentially Barcelona's weakest area. Striker Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendnter will receive bench roles with Chamakh's presence likely to be utilized late on.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench some big name players will miss out. Manuel Almunia will receive the bench keeper role whilst Sebastien Squillaci and Kieran Gibbs the back up defenders. Jack Wilshere is likely to be the back up midfielder and if Samir Nasri fails to pass a fitness test than Denilson will come in.

Strikers Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner will be the back up attacker and both should feature along with Nasri, if fit.

The line up suggested in a powerhouse attacking unit filled with speed, strength, intelligence and creativity. But is it enough to overcome the might of Barcelona?