Barcelona are hoping to avoid throwing away another two goal lead in the Barcelona vs Arsenal live streaming 6/4/2010 after some careless defending in the first leg. Even though their weakness has been in that area, there is no place for the Spanish club to repeat that. Manager Pep Guardiola might have preferred to focus on his team’s brilliant first half display. But there is no doubt that he would have been concerned with the loss of concentration. The demand for total concentration will be required considering the absence of Carlos Puyol and Pique who have accumulated too many cards to play in the return game at home. A repeat display in defence might have Arsenal force their way back into the match despite being second best to the Catalan giants.
Arsenal are counting their blessings that they are still on par even though they were hardly in the game during the match at North London. It was not only a lesson in class and football passing for the spectactors, but also for the Gunners. Rarely have the Premier League club been in such a situation as they are usually the ones playing the great football against other teams. They would not want to remember the experience for long. It was difficult for the Arsenal players to get hold of the ball as Barcelona kept constant possession. The Gunners were also outshot decisively but the end result matters the most. And that is where they are still in with a chance at two goals apiece.
The problem with injuries has afflicted both teams. Barcelona will also have to deal with player suspension as their main central defensive partnership will have to sit out the match. The scorer of both their goals at the Emirates Stadium - Ibrahimovic - is a clear injury concern in the buildup. The Swede has picked up a calf injury. Arsenal are no better off as half of the first team lineup are major doubts or certainties to miss the match. Central to their hopes is skipper Fabregas but the Spaniard is out for the rest of the season. There are also concerns in other departments. Strikers Arshavin and Van Persie will both miss out on the match of the season. The lack of sufficient cover in defence has also been exposed with Frenchman Gallas ruled out - another victim of a calf problem. Will fans still get to enjoy a football display of the highest order despite both clubs grappling with injuries and player shortages?
