Champions League
Arsenal host Spanish champions Barcelona tonight in the first leg of this second round match and it has the makings of a memorable clash. To stand a chance of progressing Arsenal definitely need to get something from game tonight to take to the Nou Camp in the second leg and I think anything less than a victory will probably see them eliminated.
Barcelona are understandably odds on favourites but I am confident that at the Emirates Arsenal can hold their own and if they are clinical in front of goal they have a good chance of taking the win. It is hard to see Barca not scoring with a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez but Arsenal will have to work extremely hard to limit the amount of the ball those three get.
Barca are not particularly strong at the back and if Arsenal can maintain possession they will be able to cause plenty of problems. Ex Barcelona player Alexis Sanchez will be the key I feel and if they can provide him with plenty of the ball he should have the beating of Dani Alves down that side and enable Arsenal to create good quality chances.
A price of 4/1 on an Arsenal win at the Emirates feels too big to pass up irrespective of who their opponents are and I have a feeling they may surprise a few people tonight.
The other match being played tonight is also an intriguing one, with German champions Bayern Munich travelling to Turin to play Juventus. I haven't been particularly impressed with Juve recently and I fully expect Munich to take control of the tie by winning in Italy and returning to Germany as clear favourites to progress.
Today's Selections
Arsenal v Barcelona - Arsenal win - 1 point @ 4/1
Juventus v Bayern Munich - 2 points @ 17/10