Match Preview: FC Barcelona v Arsenal

FC Barcelona host Arsenal for the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at Camp Nou on Wednesday (kick off 8.45pm CET) with the Catalans holding a 2-0 advantage from the first match.

Team news

The main team news from the home camp is Gerard Pique’s suspension following his yellow card in London. As far as injuries go however, Luis Enrique has no new concerns heading into the second leg. Only youngsters Rafinha and Sandro Ramirez  remain sidelined while Masip, Douglas and Adriano failed to make the cut.

Arda Turan makes his first Champions League squad for Barça after missing the first game through suspension while Marc Bartra is back in the roster after being left out for the trip to the English capital.

Arsene Wenger is still without long-term absentees Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere, as well as goalkeeper Petr Cech who has missed the last three games through injury.

Coaches' viewpoint

Luis Enrique was keen to play down his side’s 2-0 advantage during Tuesday's press conference.

"The scoreboard looks very good, but it will not change our approach nor our preparation,” said the Asturian. "The tie is open and we are still in a dangerous situation, conscious that we have to be serious if we want to go through.”

Wenger, on the other hand, said: “Our objective is clear: we must attack”. The Frenchman concedes that his side are at a major disadvantage “but football always leaves a small window open”.

Form guide

Barça continue to go from strength to strength with a further four wins from as many games since the first leg, scoring 17 goals in the process. The hosts have won their last nine in all competitions and their record unbeaten streak stands at 37 matches.

Arsenal’s form has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, suffering league defeats to Manchester United and Swansea, while last Sunday saw them lose at home to Watford in the FA Cup quarter-final.

History

If Barça progress, it will be the third time that they knock out Arsenal in the competition, having previously done so in 2010 and 2011.

Barça and Arsenal have faced each other eight times in the Champions League, with the Catalans winning five times and losing just once.

Coverage

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