A real cat and mouse for Arsenal, which is simply too close to call

Arsenal embark on another European adventure as they host AS Roma at the Emirates. This looks as if it will be an extremely tight match between two visually enchanting sides. Both like to play an expansive attacking game and to have such attacking talents on show as Robin Van Persie, Samir Nasri and the awesome Francesco Totti. The ingredients and potential for a goal fest are there.

Arsenal go into this game knowing that the last time these two side met in European competition they conquered their roman counterparts 4-2 on aggregate in 02/03. Both sides have moved on and in Arsenal's case have regressed. Roma on the other hand did have a disastrous start to the season, which saw them 6th from bottom at one point, but have since gone on a fantastic run which now sees them 2 points off a Champions League spot. In comparison Arsenal are a massive 6 points away from Champions League qualification.

With all the attacking talent on show, I feel the tie will be settled by the capability of the defensive structures implemented by each team. Roma have shipped a rather large number of goals this season, 31 in total, whereas Arsenal have only conceded a modest 24 goals in comparison. Will it be Juan and Mexes who come out on top or can Toure, Gallas, Clichy and Sagna have the last word? We shall certainly see an interesting battle between Van Persie and Mexes develop.

Roma will be looking to the attacking flair of Totti to provide the bullets for the beast, Julio Baptsita (a former Arsenal flop) and Mirko Vucinic, who has been explosive this season, scoring spectacular goal after spectacular goal. Along with Danielle De Rossi marshalling a talented midfield, it seem the loss of Fabregas will be monumental to the Gunners as they have no one to fill such a large and important void in their team.

Arsene Wenger has it seemed already worked out the Giallorossi's tactics "I don't believe Roma will come for a goalless draw. They will play in an Italian way; catch us on the break because they know an away goal will give them a good chance. We will have to have a spot-on defensive performance and score goals against them," he told Sky Sports News
Roma have only been beaten once in 2009 and look to generate further success in a competition, which culminates at their home on 27th May, which will be an occasion they will not want to miss. Arsenal on the other hand may not be winning games but they are certainly not losing them. An intriguing tie awaits and one which I cannot call.