Football purists will be licking their lips after joga bonito exponents Arsenal and Barcelona were pitted against each other in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

For Barca, taking on opponents who are dedicated advocates of sexy football will allow them to unleash their full and true attacking splendour. Having had to play all their games so far against tight, defensive-minded teams, the Blaugrana finally showed the whole of Europe just what kind of demolition they are capable of when they steamrolled past VfB Stuttgart 4-0 in the second leg of the last 16.

On the flip side of the coin, Pep Guardiola’s side could also be stretched to the limit at the back against an adventurous, offensive rival. The Blaugrana backline have looked less than assured this season and if Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger plays his cards right on the night, the Catalans could be severely exposed in defence.

The Gunners will be out for revenge following their defeat in the final in 2006, but the tantalising clash will be made even more appetising as Thierry Henry faces his former club and Cesc Fabregas squares off against what could potentially be his future team.

Tactical Battle

Barcelona are a side who change their style for no one. But against Arsenal, they will have to pay particular attention to their own defence. The fact that the north Londoners are unlikely to dump 10 men behind the ball should give Guardiola the opportunity to take a more conservative approach, especially in midfield, rather than commit eight players in the opponent’s half at any given time.

There will be a clash of the titans in midfield as two of the finest playmakers in football today, Xavi and Fabregas, will go face to face. Who will emerge victorious? The master or the apprentice?

Disciplinary

Suspended: None
One booking off suspension: Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique
Ineligible: Dmytro Chygrysnkiy
Injuries: Eric Abidal is out for the rest of the season with a groin injury. Xavi is currently nursing a calf muscle tear, but is expected to recover in time for the first leg on March 30.