5 Reasons Arsenal can beat Barcelona tonight

Arsenal are taking on Barcelona this evening in what looks to be a great game. Both teams play attractive football and this should lead to a brilliant game of football. Barcelona are understandably the favourites to win this match and the tie over the two legs. However all hope is not lost for Arsenal and here are five reasons why I believe we can beat Barcelona later tonight.


1) 
    The superb form of Robin Van Persie
 The flying Dutchman has been in incredible form since the turn of the year. He has led the line brilliantly for the Gunners and has been scoring goals for fun. He links up brilliantly with the creative Arsenal midfield, especially Cesc Fabregas. He will be key this evening and if he plays like he has in recent games he could win us the match by himself. Also Carlos Puyol, Barcelona's defensive leader is injured and Robin should look to take advantage of this. 


2)

Will Szczesny continue to impress?

   We now have a Goalkeeper we can trust in Wojciech Szczesny  
The young Keeper has also been in brilliant form this season. He is an extremely confident player and will be making his European debut against Barcelona. This will not faze him at all and his confidence spreads to the young defence as well. Last year we had a certain Manuel Almunia playing in goal, and despite playing well for the 1st half of the 1st leg he let us down for the rest of the tie, and I have every confidence in Wojciech Szczesny to play well and give us a strong chance to win the tie. 


3)
  The Central defensive partnership of Djourou and Koscielny 
We also now have a strong defensive partnership which we didn't have last year. The duo have been in superb form as of late and have only conceded one Premier League goal since the turn of the year. Last year our Defence fell apart with Gallas getting injured, which resulted in Mikael Silvestre playing at the Nou Camp. He was never going to be able to deal with Messi and Co but Djourou and Koscielny have the ability to do so. 


4)

Can Theo continue to dominate Maxwell?

   Maxwell will be starting at left back for Barcelona
 Last season Maxwell simply couldn't deal with the blistering pace of Theo Walcott in both of the games. Unluckily for Barcelona he will be starting again due to the injury to Carlos Puyol forcing Abidal to start at centre half instead of left back. Arsenal should look to target Maxwell and the battle between Walcott and Maxwell will prove to be key for Arsenal. If Theo can use his pace like last season and not waste the chances he will be creating, Arsenal have a key weapon in their attack. 


5) 
 Barcelona only drew at the weekend to Sporting Gijon
 Despite Barcelona's great form so far this season they couldn't defeat Sporting Gijon who are only 16th in La Liga. The match finished 1-1 with David Villa equalising in the 80th minute for Barcelona. This will be a blow to Barcelona's confidence and shows they aren't always as good as they have looked this season.