Ozil would have to man mark Busquets if we adopted that tactic, and thats not happening
What's everyone having for dinner?
I'm going with minced beef, onions, mushrooms, spinach, rice, goat cheese, emmental, and sriracha, all wrapped into a burrito.
Gin and tonic for the match.
otfgoon wrote: I was watching the Sporting Gijon match a couple of weeks back, they hit Barcelona on the counter with relative ease on a few occasions, and this was with a reserve side. They might be a bit more alert to that threat with us but I think that's the best way to get at them.
I was watching the Sporting Gijon match a couple of weeks back, they hit Barcelona on the counter with relative ease on a few occasions, and this was with a reserve side. They might be a bit more alert to that threat with us but I think that's the best way to get at them.
They tried to out-football Barca in some naive attempt to prove that they can also play but I agree when they got the ball forward quickly they looked threatening. A majority of these Spanish teams don't play PL style counter attacking football ala Leicester where possession is sacrificed for quick transition of play. They still p1ss about with the ball at the back and try to get it into midfield before engaging runners and for the most part it doesn't work. Barca simply squeeze up to get the ball back and go again.
My main fear tonight is that if Giroud leads the line we are going to struggle to counter attack effectively and the workload on the midfield to get the necessary support to Giroud will be massive. It's easier with a pacey forward who can displace players as support arrives. I think our full backs will be key.
I'll be rocking out some Pad Ka Prow for dinner, but not the veggie heavy, big pieces of pork version found in Thai restaurants. I'm going straight garlic, shallots, green beans, and diced pork plus seasoning and a fried egg.
http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35630859
MistaT wrote: Ozil would have to man mark Busquets if we adopted that tactic, and thats not happening
I can't remember which one but Ozil's done that to another CM before in one of our matches.
I just wish Theo was in better form. The team that started against United in October should be playing today's game.
Yeah an inform Theo is a great weapon in these games. He usually been good against Barca too, on the counter he was such a force for a while. I think he's lost some of that even when he's in form. When was the last time he was part of a great counter from us? Its usually Sanchez, Ox, Ozil, Ramsey and occassionally Giroud involved, oh an Bellerin.
Save Theo for later but would be sorely tempted to slot welbeck somewhere. Can't think where though and he isn't 100%.
I don't want to risk Welbeck in this. I'd rather play him against United.
GaelForce wrote: I just wish Theo was in better form. The team that started against United in October should be playing today's game.
He's got to be played to get into form
Surprisingly not nervous going into this game, I think I've pretty much accepted we are getting knocked out so it is all good 😆
Clrnc wrote:I would start Ox on the right and Welbz up front. Reckon that pace would hurt them. Welbeck has been stellar in big UCL games for United.
I would start Ox on the right and Welbz up front. Reckon that pace would hurt them.
Welbeck has been stellar in big UCL games for United.
Remember when Man Utd played R.Madrid at home (Fergie's last CL game) Welbeck pretty much marked Alonso out of the game. Obviously you want to see him scoring etc but tactically he is a very switched on player.
Must be team news/ Geoff rumours by now?
Also, this is interesting. We seem to do this so rarely, but it's worked a treat on the occasions that we've tried it (e.g. 4-1 v Liverpool last season);
[size=large][font=Arial, sans-serif]Been told today Arsenal devoted their training session yesterday to playing with a pressing 'block' high up the pitch.[/font][/size]
Can also see it ending with disaster, where one pass from Pique/ Busquets leaves MSN 3 on 3 with Per being one of our three. 😆
GaelForce wrote: Must be team news/ Geoff rumours by now?
Geoff rumors? I'm more interested in Jeff rumors like what position he's starting at....
Arsenal line-up (official): Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Coquelin, Flamini; Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud
GaelForce wrote: Also, this is interesting. We seem to do this so rarely, but it's worked a treat on the occasions that we've tried it (e.g. 4-1 v Liverpool last season); [size=large][font=Arial, sans-serif]Been told today Arsenal devoted their training session yesterday to playing with a pressing 'block' high up the pitch.[/font][/size] Can also see it ending with disaster, where one pass from Pique/ Busquets leaves MSN 3 on 3 with Per being one of our three. 😆
Dangerous game, takes balls (or stupidity) to try it against barça. If we're playing a high block I'd bank on Welbz starting.
GaelForce wrote: Arsenal line-up (official): Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Coquelin, Flamini; Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud
Fucking Flamini :angry:
Ramsey on the wing :angry:
Sooooooo....we're looking to pack it tight, exploit set pieces, and hit them on the counter in the second?
Barcelona:
