Arsenal vs Barcelona: 5 factors that could decide the outcome of the match

For the third time in six years, Arsenal take on Barcelona in the Champions League round-of-16.In the previous two encounters, the Gunners remained unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium but then succumbed to a Blaugrana master class in the return at Camp Nou.The pressure is on for both sides here. Luis Enrique’s side are still on for an unprecedented double-treble whilst Arsene Wenger’s team need to produce to show that they deserve to be in such esteemed company and are genuine challengers for the top prize.Let’s take a look at five factors that could decide the outcome of this one.

#1 Alba vs Bellerin

Bellerin will be a tough assignment for Jordi Alba

There aren’t too many players in world football who can handle themselves in a foot race with Jordi Alba. Barca’s left back has made some questionable defensive decisions in the recent past but invariably his speed and energy get him out of trouble.

Against Arsenal, however, he has some serious competition. Theo Walcott may or may not play from the start but his pace will cause problems down that side without a doubt. As will ex-Barca academy graduate Hector Bellerin.

The lightning-quick Spaniard has been measured as quicker than Usain Bolt over 40 metres and if he gets a run on Alba, there will be no catching the Gunners’ right-back. We can certainly expect Arsene Wenger to ensure that area of the pitch is where much of Arsenal’s efforts are concentrated, and once exposed Alba won’t have the opportunity to cover the cross that will invariably follow.

It could be one of Alba’s toughest assignments and one of Bellerin’s finest hour’s.

#2 High intensity Gunners

Sanchez will look to pose problems for his former club

Arsene Wenger and his players will have studied every part of Barca’s game in order to find weaknesses that they can exploit. One of those weaknesses, which isn’t a secret, is how vulnerable the Catalan’s back line is when they are put under pressure.

Time and again the likes of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano et al look like headless chickens when the opposition really go for it in the attacking third.

Alexis Sanchez needs no introduction to Barca fans or players and he will certainly be providing Wenger with an high-energy, high-intensity outlet up front as the main striker. Both of Barca’s central defenders won’t get a moment’s peace throughout the 90 minutes as the Chilean consistently hammers at the door.

If Sanchez can be fed as often as possible, the direct route to goal is the one that’s likely to bring him the most reward. Barca have been warned.

#3 MSN

Will MSN torment Arsenal as well?

There’s little doubt that Arsenal will be fearing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Although none had particularly great game against Las Palmas last time out, there was still ample opportunities for one of the three to put more gloss on the eventual 2-1 scoreline.

At times, and perhaps the hosts will have one eye on this, the trio looked lethargic. This match will be Barca’s 16th since the start of the calendar year, or one every three days since January 1st.

That’s a brutal schedule and one that could catch up with the Blaugrana.

One thing is clear however, and that is the constantly mobile three will cause the Gunners’ back line problems. Most defences have capabilities to keep one of the three at bay. Sometimes two. But when all three are on song, there’s no defence in the world that can live with them.

Suarez, in particular, knows all about Arsenal from his time at Liverpool and although Messi was relatively quiet in the 2010 and 2011 away legs at the Emirates, with the Uruguayan and Brazilian for company, we could well see the Argentinian score on English soil again.

#4 The craft of Ozil

Ozil has racked up 17 assists in the Premier League this term

Barcelona know all about the skill of Mesut Ozil from his time at Real Madrid. The German has been in fine form this season and would love nothing better than to get one over the old enemy.

His awareness of those around him and the space into which they’ll run is second to none and if Barca don’t close him down quickly enough, he will absolutely carve out chance after chance for the hosts.

Indeed, his licence to roam in the danger areas could be the one single thing that really turns the tide Arsenal’s way in this first leg. Luis Enrique has held great stock in the way in which his Barca sides have been set up and 31 games unbeaten suggest he’s doing something right.

But if he allows one player to man mark Ozil, that takes him out of the equation elsewhere and potentially hands the Gunners the advantage right where they need it.

#5 Fatigue

Barcelona looked lethargic at times against Las Palmas

It’s difficult to know who is the more tired out of the two teams.

Barcelona showed signs of physical tiredness against Las Palmas but there’s no questioning their mental strength. Arsenal meanwhile looked leggy against Hull City in the FA Cup and they’ll arguably not be looking forward to a replay in that competition.

Given how close the Gunners are to the summit of the English Premier League, Wenger really has to consider using his best XI for every game at the moment. Chasing down Leicester isn’t as tall an order as it once seemed and there’s every chance at this point that Arsenal can be considered genuine title challengers.

Barca are already 6 points clear in La Liga and can relax a little. Will such a drop off mentally affect them in the Champions League and just give that little bit extra edge to the hosts? Or will it be Arsenal’s desire, and need, to win every game that burns them out in this one?