ESPNIt’s fair to say Barcelona are the overwhelming favourites for their Champions League last 16 clash with Arsenal.
The Spanish giants are virtually untouchable right now and have resorted to taking the piss when scoring goals, thanks to their incredible front three.
Here, we take a look at the five players most likely to tear Arsenal limb from limb.
Chances are, you can probably guess three of them…
ExpressLionel Messi
The world’s best player goes up against Arsenal with a less than excellent record against English teams.
Messi has scored just twice on English soil and drew a blank last time he was in England, when even Manchester City’s defence – featuring none other than Martin Demichelis – managed to keep him at bay.
It’s fair to say it’s only a matter of time before Messi fills his boots against an English team to silence any remaining critics and if Arsenal aren’t careful, it’ll be them on the end of a Messi inspired hiding.
Arsenal’s back four is likely to feature Per Mertesacker and if the Argentine gets at him regularly, the giant German may consider retirement.
Sky SportsLuis Suarez
While Messi’s record in England comes under scrutiny, Suarez’s simply does not.
After scoring a shit load of goals while at Liverpool, the hungry Uruguayan has shown no signs of slowing down after arriving in Spain.
He’s hit 41 goals so far this season and has formed the most deadly strikeforce in history with Messi and Neymar – to the point where they’ve started taking the piss out of opponents by passing penalties before scoring them.
The former Liverpool striker also leads the assists table in Spain, bagging 10 in La Liga so far this term.
Suarez is in the form of his life and if Arsenal aren’t at their best, their former transfer target will have a field day.
The GuardianNeymar
Completing the trio, Neymar.
It’s a scary thought that if you had to pick the worst of the Barca front three, you’d probably have to pick the Brazilian.
He’s actually outscored Messi in La Liga this season and is also one of the main providers of assists, setting up nine for his team mates.
The former Santos star is usually the one who looks to dribble past his opponent every time he gets the ball, meaning Hector Bellerin is in for a tough night at right back.
Bellerin does possess the speed to keep up with Neymar though, so it won’t be a simple night for the 24-year-old.
ExpressIvan Rakitic
In contrast to the previous three names on this list, Rakitic is a player who doesn’t rely on his physical skills to control a match.
Rakitic is one of the best passers in the world, meaning he’s the one likely to be threading balls through to the front three and causing Arsenal’s defenders all kinds of problems.
With Andres Iniesta likely to line up alongside him, it takes some of the attention off the Croatian, who has became a mainstay in the Barca team since transferring from Sevilla in 2014.
And it’s that role he’s thrived in. His long-range shooting is another massive threat and if Arsenal’s midfield don’t keep a close eye on him, he could be the man to break the Gunners’ resistance.
GoalAndres Iniesta
Despite his advancing years (having said that, he’s still only 31), Iniesta still remains the main string puller in Barcelona’s midfield.
Protected by Sergio Busquets and supported by Rakitic, Iniesta’s ridiculous close control and passing ability remains one of Barcelona’s biggest weapons.
When Arsenal’s defence is pre-occupied trying to contain the ‘MSN’, Iniesta may be afforded the space he needs to dictate the game, something Arsenal cannot afford.
Francis Coquelin will be the closest one to Iniesta throughout the game, meaning the young Frenchman could be in for a footballing lesson if he’s unable to stop the silky Spaniard.
