So, just a day to go before the biggest game of my life - in fact any Arsenal supporter's life. The tension's been building for this one for weeks.



I think most Gooners expect us to go with the 4-5-1 formation and I am no different.

I also expect to see Gilberto used to try and stop Ronaldinho from playing, (a lot easier said than done), but if anyone is capable of doing it, Gilberto is. He knows Ronaldino from the national team, and is one of best players in the world at doing this kind of job.


So do I think we can win it?


Well of course I do!
Unlike Barca fans who think this game is a formality for their side, we know we have the players that can win this game.

I think the game against Real Madrid was a watershed moment for the club and the follow-up performance versus Juventus have given the players the self-belief they need for a match of this calibre.


Side Note: I, like a lot of other Gooners, have read a bunch of blogs and other stuff written by Barcelona fans and they seem to forget about Real and Juve. I'm intensely irritated by their 'forgone conclusion' mentality and I'm sure that there are many Arsenal fans who would join me when I say "I'm starting to take this personally".
Barcelona fans regularly note that we finished 24 points behind Chelsea - a side that they beat. Indeed, earlier in the season the point was valid - but if you consider how we've done in more recent months, it tells a different story.


I honestly think that if Wenger gets his game plan right, and he hasn't done a bad job so far in the CL, we will beat Barcelona.

It is entirely possible. No side is unbeatable, though to hear some people you would think that Barcelona are, but all the pressure is on them.


Expect to see Arsenal attacking Barcelona's full backs, this is one area they are vulnerable, Wenger and Arsenal know all about Van Bronkhorst. Expect to see Hleb and Eboue testing him.
Olegeur is most likely playing on the right, unless they pick that blind cunt Belletti (unlikely).

Here again, the pace of Reyes, Cole and Henry drifting wide will test him, hopefully beyond his capabilities.
Expect to see Freddie doing the bursts into the box, Henry will obviously be a heavily marked man, but this could well allow Ljunberg the extra yard he needs.


The most fundamental point - and the one I think Barcelona is missing is that we have quality players that can cause them immense problems, its going to be all about who gets their game plan working on the day.


This is where coaches really earn their salaries and in Arsene Wenger we still have the best.


I can't wait - Gooners!!!



Bonus: Thierry Henry Video on Metacafe