Seeds of doubt in Champions League

Defeats away against the group winners and also in Portugal against FC Braga on matchdays four and five have condemned the North London club to the possibilty of drawing Spanish giants Barcelona or Real Madrid. They also face the prospect of a tough trip to Germany to face last year’s runners-up Bayern Munich or Schalke.
Many have suggested Arsenal would prefer a trip to Germany but the noise coming out of the Emirates dressing room is about the prospect of playing either of the Spanish giants. It could be said The Gunners have some unfinished buisiness in Spain after Barcelona dumped them out of last years competition at the quarter-final stage.
A Lionel Messi inspired Barca ripped a depleted Arsenal side to shreds at the Nou Camp and they look in insured form this year as they have flown through the group stage and sit top of La Liga after their 5-0 demolition of Real.
But if anything there is confidence and belief running through Wenger’s squad. Young Striker Theo Walcott insists his side would be better prepared for the Catalan giants. He said: “If we do get Barcelona, we don’t want Messi to do what he did to us last season. I would love to go back there and show them what we ate all about.”
These claims might seem rash but his claims have been backed by other members of the squad. There is belief a full strength Arsenal side could test Barca or any of there likely opponents. It must be remembered the Gunners travelled to the Nou Camp without Robin van Persie, Andrey Arshavin and skipper Cesc Fabregas.
But on any night Barca could rip you to shreds and that is the danger they posses. Just ask Real Madrid who suffered a 5-0 defeat to their rivals. This came on the back of an upturn in fortunes for the Madrid club who have former Chelsea boss Jose Mourhino in charge. There seems to be an air of fate surrounding the possibility of Arseanl drawing Real, what with Mourinho returning to England and reigniting his war of words with Wenger.
But the possibilty of playing in the Spanish capital doesn’t strike fear into fans as much as a return trip to Barcelona, but Real are a much improved side under Mourhino and have former United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo in their side.
he Gunners have happy memories of the Spanish Capitl thanks to Thierry Henry’s stunning solo goal in 2006. The goal helped dispose of the Spanish giants and helped Arsenal on their way to the final, where they succombed to, you guessed it Barcelona. While there is a lot of talk about the Spanish clubs, Bayern Munich and Schalke cannot be overlooked.
They might seem easier ties on paper but Bayern Munich produced some stunning football in their run to the final. A side containing Players like Arjen Robben and Frank Ribbery cannot be underestimated. The German champions flew through their group with 15 of a possible 18 points and a goal difference of +10. Schalke, while being a lesser name than Arsenal’s other possible opponents, have been in good form in this season’s competition.
They finished top of a tough Group B contsing the likes of Lyon, Benfica and Hapoel Tel-Aviv. And with players such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has scored seven goals in 13 games this season since his summer move, they are a danger.
But for all the bravado of the Arsenal camp a trip to Germany would provide an easier route into the next round. Arsene Wenger will be secretly hoping, as will the fans, that they avoid a trip to either of the Spanish giants. But as the saying goes you gave to beat the best to be the best. Arsenal are well aware of this but will be hoping they have to beat the best at a later date.
Possible Arsenal opponents for Champions League last-16:
Barcelona
Real Madrid
Bayern Munich
FC Schalke