Ask any Arsenal fan I am sure they will say they did not want to draw Barcelona in the first knock-out round of the Champions League. But the quirky hand of fate was always going to deal the Gunners a date with the 2009 European Champions after they failed to win their group.
Arsenal will no doubt give them a good game, but such is the form of the Catalan club I simply can't look beyond them, not only for this tie, but for the competition itself and the Champions League promotions reflect this.
They were simply glorious to watch in winning the 2009 tournament and their demolition of Arsene Wenger's men in last year's quarter-final put them on course for another. But Jose Mourinho's tactical masterclass saw Guardiola's men bow out at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Inter.
Mourinho, of course, is now at bitter rivals Real Madrid - the score when the two sides met? 5-0 to Barca in one of the most complete club displays I have ever seen.
I don't think the special one has the players to replicate those semi-final tactics should they meet in the Champions League and looking around at the rest of the teams involved I feel Barca are too good for all of them. They are rightful favourites in the Champions League betting.
They also have the little genius Lionel Messi.
The Argentine wizard became the youngest player to finish top scorer in the competition back in 2009 and has hit six goals already this year.
With Arsenal set to play fire-with-fire and try and pass their way through Barca there are going to be goals. So it may well be worth backing not only Barca to be European Champions but little Leo Messi to collect the golden boot as well.
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