[Galvasean]

So it's now a race to see who can field eleven players?

[redout]

Originally Posted by Galvasean

So it's now a race to see who can field eleven players?

Not a fan of this but I reckon it could be


---------Milito---Busquets

Alves----------------------Abidal

-----------Mascherano


Mother of god I would rather see


---------Abidal---Busquets

Alves----------------------Maxwell
-----------Mascherano

Milito has been absolute rubbish this season but him playing yesterday really has me worried.

[cson]

Originally Posted by MikeySligo

[
Jesus if RVP was fit, I would actually be quite confident, but I fear Big Nics amazing lack of ability for a big man to hold the ball up will just see us trying to defend wave after wave after wave of attack.

Maybe he's being told to do it but Big Nick's stupid tendency to think he's Henry and hug the tough line and cut in before losing it is what its down to - he just isn't there to hold it up!

[redout]

That result just gave Arsenal a massive confidence boost going into the game.

[Bodhisopha]

Originally Posted by redout

That result just gave Arsenal a massive confidence boost going into the game.

The same was said ahead of their game against Sunderland.

[redout]

Originally Posted by Bodhisopha

The same was said ahead of their game against Sunderland.

Ah I say it definitely has - yesterday they were down in the doldrums after that result.

Potentially could have gone 6 behind today now they can draw level.

Looked as though they should have won also.

[Bodhisopha]

Originally Posted by redout

Ah I say it definitely has - yesterday they were down in the doldrums after that result.

Potentially could have gone 6 behind today now they can draw level.

Looked as though they should have won also.

It's definitely perked them up anyways, as for on the field confidence, i have my doubts. They are notoriously lightweight mentally.

This feels like the build up to the last Classico to me.

[cson]

Who's out for Barcelona so; Puyol, Pique... anyone else?

[redout]

Originally Posted by cson

Who's out for Barcelona so; Puyol, Pique... anyone else?

Thats it - Alves, Xavi, Valdes and Jeffren all returned this week so things are somewhat positive though the loss of Puyo is massive in my opinion.

[Radharc na Sleibhte]

Originally Posted by redout

Thats it - Alves, Xavi, Valdes and Jeffren all returned this week so things are somewhat positive though the loss of Puyo is massive in my opinion.

No Puyol now either.
Fecking sweet.

By no means a foregone conclusion this time, hopefully....

[amacachi]

TBH I'm hoping for as little destruction of my nerves as possible, win or lose.

[redout]

Originally Posted by MikeySligo

No Puyol now either.
Fecking sweet.

By no means a foregone conclusion this time, hopefully....

I dunno - I have been contemplating it and reckon its perhaps not as big a blow as I first thought.

Consider that Puyol hasnt played since around mid january he was never gonna be near match fit in the first place.

Is it better to keep him fit or run the risk of playing him and potentially losing him for the rest of the season ?

I think this could prove the more prudent decision in the long run and Barca beat Arsenal without both Puyo and Pique last season.

Do you want him there ? Yes - but is it worth the risk ? I dont think so.

Either way his loss wont be used as an excuse if defeated as far as I am concerned.

[redout]

Massimo Busacca is going to be the referee.

He officiated Barça's triumph over United in the 2009 Champions league final.

Coincidentally he also officiated the first leg of this fixture last season at the emirates.

[spiralism]

Have a funny feeling this will end 1-0 with a pedro winner... dunno why

[Radharc na Sleibhte]

Originally Posted by redout

Barca beat Arsenal without both Puyo and Pique last season.

Oh, you're right.
And weve the same lanky twat up front too.
Back to my pessimism so.....