There will be an atmosphere of anticipation at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal meets Barcelona in one of the biggest UEFA Champions League matchups in years. Once the draw revealed the matchup, the excitement from both sets of fans has been steadily increasing. This is hardly surprising considering the way both teams play football which has often been pointed out by fans to be the personification of perfection in the sport.
The stable of stars that adorn Barcelona and Arsenal's lineups are also the stuff of fantasy football. Barcelona boast perhaps the best player on the planet currently in the form of Lionel Messi, the Argentine who has scored countless beautiful goals and made many more. The Swedish enigma Zlatan Ibrahimovic partners him in attack and is capable of moments of magic that belies his physical stature. The Catalan club's midfield is dictated by the synchronous symphonic play from the Spanish duo of Iniesta and Xavi who form the perfect axis. Barcelona's defence might be their weakest area but Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol man the fortress well enough on most occasions.
The Gunners from North London do not pale in comparison. Leading the line would usually be Robin Van Persie but the injured Dutchman's place will go to the equally capable Daniel Bendtner. Working in tandem with him will be the marvelous Andrei Arshavin and Theo Walcott who both ally pace with inventive genius. Pulling the strings in midfield is the much sought after Cesc Fabregas who would be eager to face his former club. Arsenal are also suspect at the back although Sol Campbell will be enjoying his indian summer with the club he rejoined in the transfer window.
Some of these players might be missing from the first leg in England due to injuries. Barcelona will miss the services of Iniesta who has to sit out due to a hamstring strain. His place would surely go to Thierry Henry who will make an emotional return to the club where he spent 8 years of his career at Arsenal.
Arsenal have received the biggest blow to their Champions League hopes with news that playmaker Fabregas would most likely have to miss the first leg. A knee injury suffered in the club's latest match has landed him on the treatment table. Last minute medical treatment could yet see him line up against Barcelona and Fabregas would be keen to pit his talents against the club that many expect him to return to in the near future.
The 2006 Champions League final was the most recent time when the Gunners had to play Barcelona. Spanish flair came out on top on the night as Henry experienced the biggest disappointment of his career with Arsenal. It was not long after that the Frenchman departed for Barcelona as once again, football's ability in perfectly timed dramatic irony was once again illustrated.
The expectations and excitement surrounding the Arsenal vs Barcelona live stream could end in disappointment if both teams suffer an attack of nerves. There is a lot riding on each game as the Champions League approaches its conclusion. The knockout format is well and truly underway and no second chances will be available for each team. This could lead to players adopting a safety-first approach that could resemble shadowboxing, instead of going at each other's throats in search of the knockout punch.
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