UEFA Champions League: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI Against Barcelona

World Football receives a delightful second course after greatly enjoying the appetizer between two of Europe's strongest and entertaining teams. Arsenal and Barcelona played out a thrilling 2-1 encounter, which saw the Gunners narrowly edge out at the Emirates in the first leg of the round of 16.

Now Barcelona hosts Arsenal at Camp Nou, as the Spanish giants aim to eradicate the one goal deficit and advance to the quarterfinals. The first leg wasn't quite the goal fueled, attacking, engulfed encounter World Football entailed, but it was still an exciting match as Arsenal took a surprising upper hand.

The second leg is destined to boast more goals than the first as Barcelona will be eager to diminish the 2-1 scoreline, while Arsenal will use the best form of defense; attack. As previously stated in prior articles, the respective giants encountered one another in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League last campaign with a 2-2 all draw in the first leg at the Emirates before Barcelona proved too strong, thrashing an injury riddled Arsenal 4-1.

However, as many are aware, Arsene Wenger's men have dramatically changed from 2009-2010, with the youthful squad enriched in development, maturity and quality. However, Barcelona is arguably the strongest side in World Football, and their exciting and endless array of talent is imposing and powerful. The Spanish kings will thrive with the fact that they are behind at their home ground with the likes of Lionel Messi, David Villa and Xavi Hernadez destined to provide their very best attacking football.

Should the Gunners lose at Camp Nou, then their efforts to relieve their notorious five season trophy drought will take a serious dent. After the North London giants failed to succeed in the Carling Cup final last week, losing in the dying minutes to Birmingham City, the Gunners are only able to succeed in the FA Cup and English Premier League, alongside the UEFA Champions League.

Arsene Wenger's squad encounters rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup Quarterfinals, while their recent form in the EPL is suggesting Arsenal just isn't mentally strong enough to conquer. But it is certain the Gunners will do everything in their skillful power to defeat Europe's biggest contender.

Let's predict the Arsenal starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Boom youngster, Wojciech Szczesny, was superb in the first leg of the encounter, and despite his Carling Cup final blunder, the young Polish shot-stopper has been a formidable force at the front of the helm.

Experienced campaigner Manuel Almunia will continue to deputize, while predominant first choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski continues to nurse a shoulder injury suffered in December, which is likely to keep the Polish international absent till the termination of the season.

Meanwhile, boom youngsters Vito Mannone and James Shea are still on loan with Hull City and Southampton, respectively.

Defenders

The inform centre half duo of Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscienly were also superb in the first leg, thwarting some of Europe's best attackers in Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro. The pair is certain to start for the second leg, with both boasting adequate fitness.

At right back, Frenchman Bacary Sagna will continue his role while deputy, Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue, is unlikely to be featured. On the left, experienced Frenchmen Gael Clichy is also a certain starter, while deputy, English international Kieran Gibbs should make the substitutes bench.

French centre half Sebastien Squillaci will also be on hand from the bench, in case any injuries occur. Young gun Ignasi Miguel is unlikely to feature too while defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen continues his seven month absence with a persistent Achilles injury.

Midfielders

The injury stricken Arsenal midfield is the big talking point and a potential factor in the result. The biggest debate is over the fitness of captain and midfield maestro, Cesc Fabregas. The Barcelona youth is fighting to be fit for the clash after injuring his hamstring in February. Arsene Wenger commented saying"

"“It is 90 percent; he [Fabregas] will travel and be fit. It is vital for us because he is important in the transition between attacking and defending. He is also the leader of the team so we want him there."

Should the Spaniard play, he will partner with teenage sensation Jack Wilshere, who has easily been Arsenal's player of the season so far, in the attacking midfield. Another blow for Arsenal, however, is the news that defensive midfielder Alexandre Song will miss the match with a knee injury sustained in the Carling Cup final.

This ensures imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby and Samba star Denilson's contest for the defensive midfield role. During the audition, Arsenal's goal-less draw with Sunderland last weekend, neither impressed, but it is likely the physicality and pace of Diaby will see the Frenchmen through.

Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky, Welsh youngster Aaron Ramsey and, of course, Denilson will receive roles on the bench. Youngster Emmanuel Frimpong is still absent with a cruciate ligament injury.

Forwards

Star striker Robin van Persie will miss the match after suffering a serious knee injury in the Carling Cup final. However, the injury has been mitigated after Danish sharpshooter Nicklas Bendtner netted a handsome hat trick in the FA Cup fifth round against League One outfit Leyton Orient. Bendtner will lead the attack as the lone striker, while fellow striker Marouane Chamakh will settle for a bench spot.

However, Arsenal's injury woes don't finish with van Persie. English dynamo Theo Walcott, whose speed and balance would be vital to defeat Barcelona, is still nursing an ankle injury suffered in February. This ensures Samir Nasri will shift from his usual left wing role onto the right, as the French playmaker looks to continue his sterling form this season.

On the left, Russian magician Andei Arshavin, who scored the winner at the Emirates, will start and many predict could be the catalyst if Arsenal conquers. Mexican striker Carlos Vela is still on loan at Premiership side West Bromwich Albion.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Manuel Almunia will receive the backup keeper role with Sebastien Squillaci and Kieran Gibbs the deputizing defenders. In terms of midfielders, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey and Denilson will take places, with Rosicky likely to be utilized. Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh is the deputy attacker.

It is almost deja vu. Can an injury ravished Arsenal overcome a powerful Barcelona outfit in their backyard? It is set to be a thriller.