Wenger has option of playing Real team

Hope
By Boris Mellor
March 7 2006

It’s at times like this that you really regret that one or two more chances did not go in at the Bernabeu. Arsenal played brilliantly that night, but failed to really punish the Galaticos. They were worth far more than 1-0.

 The problem Arsenal now face is that they must keep Real from scoring, but need a quick goal if they are to keep a grip of the tie. For if Real were to get more than one away goal things could get very dicey indeed. Arsenal have a good record against Spanish Clubs, its 100% against Real (only game so far). Arsenal have played seven matches at home to Spanish opposition, winning four, drawing one and losing twice to Barcelona and Deportivo Coruna.

 

 Real Madrid's eight visits to England have resulted in three wins, a draw and four defeats.  Their last visit to England in the quarter-finals of the 2002/03 CL ended in a 4-3 defeat by Manchester United, but Real still progressed. Real are not the team they used to be, and Arsenal are still work in progress.

But in the last few games they seem to have shaken Vieira out of their system, more than can be said for Tony Adams. With Freddy on fire, and Reyes having scored for Spain, Wenger may be tempted to stay with the team that won at the Bernabeu. Its not often he has had the luxury of picking the same team twice in a row. Pires and Almunia return to the squad, but the rest of the injuries including Campbell remain out. For Real Ronaldo returns to the squad.

 

Deciding which is the best eleven and formation is too close to call. At times like this you are glad to be a pundit rather than a manager. Mind you two or three million quid a year would be a slight consolation. Squad in full below.

 

Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
Johann Djourou
Philippe Senderos
Kolo Toure
Mathieu Flamini
Emmanuel Eboue
Alexander Hleb
Gilberto
Francesc Fabregas
Freddie Ljungberg
Thierry Henry
Jose Antonio Reyes
Dennis Bergkamp
Theo Walcott
Robert Pires
Alexandre Song
Abou Diaby