Arsenal vs Barcelona is right around the corner, and ahead of the highly-anticipated Champions League clash, Thierry Henry gave his thoughts on the round of 16 fixture to Barca TV.
There is no other man more perfect in football, both past and present, who could give more insight into the tie, as the retired 38-year has played for both the Gunners – where he is regard as their all-time best player – and the Blaugrana.
Although both sides play a similar, attractive, possession-dominated style rather than a straight-forward approach, Henry predicts that the English Premier League outfit will play it safe at the Emirates, on Tuesday, and will hit their opponents on the counter.
“I think Arsenal are going to play the way they played against Bayern Munich at home," said the Frenchman, as per Barcelona's official website.
“They’re going to defend and try to score on the counter-attack and then see what they can do because it’s not so easy to control the ball against Barcelona.
“They have to do something at home if they want to go there and have a chance at Camp Nou because I know how it is there.”
Luis Enrique’s side have been spectacular all season; they lead the Liga BBVA standings, are into the Copa del Rey final, and are favorites to defend their Champions League title.
As a result, Thierry admits that Messi and Co. will likely dump Arsenal out of the competition to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
“It’s going to be very difficult for my team, Arsenal, but also I really love Barca. It’s very difficult. I see Barca winning.”
It’s not going to be easy but I see Barca going through.”
The former New York Red Bulls forward also identified the man that will be keen to Arsenal’s hopes of beating Barcelona: Mesut Ozil. However, the FA Cup holders stand no chance in Henry’s eyes should the German playmaker be nullified.
“And now you have to try and stop Mesut Ozil because now he is doing incredible things too. He has a ton of assists.”
“If you can stop Mesut Ozil, Arsenal are practically dead.”
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