Ole GunnerFormation: 4-4-1-1
The rationale is to have Nasri and Eboue provide cover for the 2 Arsenal full backs, and help contain the 2 Barcelona full backs (most likely, Alvez and Abidal).
Diaby's height, dribbling, pace, power and defensive contribution would see him get upfront quickly to link up with Bendtner. He would also make runs to get on the end of crosses, thus providing an additional target on crosses.
Diaby will also be detailed to sit and press both Busquets (or Toure; or whoever is Barca's anchorman), dropping into midfield to match Barca´s midfield 3.
The weakness of this plan is in the midfield 2. The question is whether Rosicky and Denilson can stem the Barca tide.
In recent times, Guardiola has surprised opposition by playing a hybrid formation that sets off as 4-3-3 but in practice looks like a 4-2-4 at times, a 4-4-1-1 at other times.
This 4-4-1-1 might be the best way to counter all three Barcelona tactical formations.
06.04.2010
ZolaIsn't this tie a lost cause for Arsenal now? Gambling with Fabregas and Gallas did not pay off in the first leg. What makes Wenger think that it might this time in Barcelona?
I am obviously no Gunner. What do you Arsenal fans think? Against an infintesimally low chance of beating Barca in Camp Nou, would you rather risk your title chances?
06.04.2010
Ole GunnerHow can it be a lost cause? Win at Camp Nou to get into the semi-finals. Seems simple to me.
I don't understand your comment. Who is Wenger risking? And how is Arsenal's title chances being risked?
06.04.2010
ZolaWell, away wins in Camp Nou do not come easy do they? Especially when it matters. So fielding a full strength 11 to win the game does not seem to be a wise move to me.
Campbell is not fully fit, as I understand. Lose him, and Arsenal have to play with Vermaalen-Silvestre duo for the rest of the season. Bendtner is the only Wenger can play with some degree of confidence, lose him and he's looking into finishing the season with out of form Eduardo.
Imagine going to Spurs without Fabregas, Gallas, Bendtner and Campbell. Would you be confident of three points?
06.04.2010
nvrBarcelona is not the kind of team which will go out to hurt you. I saw no risk in playing Bendtner. Campbell was another matter but Wenger did not play him anyways.
07.04.2010
