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{ EPL,Robin Van Persie,Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic(Getty Images)1. Stick to the gameplan

In truth, there's only one way Barca can defeat Arsenal, and that's because there's only one way Barca play: possession, attacking football. Pep Guardiola does not change his approach, playing system, formation, or tactics for any opponent. What he does change, though, is his specific instructions to his superstars during the game. More of a conductor than a coach, Guardiola will bark orders to his players from the touchline to accommodate Arsenal's minute-by-minute strategy, and it is imperative that the players follow instructions.

2. Do not get complacent

Barca could've embarrassingly routed Arsenal at the Emirates last season. But having taken a two-goal lead, the Catalans took their foot off the gas and grow complacent, allowing speed demon Theo Walcott to spark a comeback and salvage the first leg clash in a 2-2 draw. First, a sloppy pass by Sergio Busquets, then some slack defending which prompted Carles Puyol to clatter into Cesc Fabregas inside the box, gave the Gunners a free get-out-of-jail card, albeit only temporarily in the end.

So far this season, Barca have shown no signs of easing off during a game when they are in front, spanking opponents left, right and centre with goals galore. But Saturday's surprise 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon demonstrated that a lackadaisical approach can be costly for Guardiola's side.

3. Be direct 

Barca had difficulty breaking down Arsenal in the first half in London, despite utterly dominating the contest. It was in fact two direct, over-the-top through balls which released Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his way to scoring both goals in the first leg. Without Ibra, Barca lose a secret weapon, but that doesn't mean that the likes of Lionel Messi, Pedro and David Villa won't be able to finish off route one chances. If Arsenal do attempt to take the game to the Catalans by fighting fire with fire and playing eye-candy attacking football, Barca can hit the Gunners hard on the break, but they must be quick, direct and precise.


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4. Keep the ball away from Robin van Persie

With in-form Samir Nasri doubtful for the clash due to injury, Arsene Wenger will rely heavily on Fabregas to provide the attacking arsenal. The captain didn't have the best of games in last season's first leg clash, although he was undoubtedly the hero of the night for the home fans when he scored from the spot - with a broken leg - to level the tie and keep his side in the fight.

He will be eager to impress against a team who have been trying to lure him away from the Emirates, but it's the red-hot Van Persie that Barca should be worried about. The Dutchman has scored nine goals in his last five Premier League games and with defensive stalwart Carles Puyol struggling to recover in time after injury, Barcelona's backline could be easily exposed.

5. Beware of Arsenal's speed & physicality

Arsenal will be deprived of the ball, of that there is no doubt even before the two teams head for the tactical drawing board. But while Barca are sometimes too reluctant to play route one football, Wenger's men have no problems adopting that approach, as evidenced by the fact that they scored two of their three goals against the Catalans over two legs last season through speedy counter-attacks.

Arsenal are not the most physical side in the Premier League, but almost any team in football today is more physical than Barcelona. The Gunners can get rough and mix it up with the "big boys" if they want to, and if Wenger decides to throw a curveball and deviate from his usual one-touch football and get physical, it could be the ace card that could stun the Blaugrana.

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