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There are a few things that really spring to my mind as Arsenal prepare to face Barcelona at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger's men scraped into the knockout rounds for a night like this; testing themselves against Europe's very best.

Luis Enrique's side are looking to become the first side to win back-to-back European Cups since the competition became the Champions League in 1992 and are in the midst of a formidable 32-match unbeaten run.

But Wenger believes his side have a shot at toppling the Spanish giants, despite their red hot form.

Here is a look at some factors which may shape the game and some of the talking points and personalities:

We’ve fallen in love with Luis Suarez again

(Image: Reuters)

We definitely fell out of love with him. If biting wasn’t bad enough, being banned for eight games after being found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra and his reputation as public enemy No.1 was compounded after he knocked England out of the World Cup.

Somewhere along the line, we forgot the football.

But Suarez has reminded us what a brilliant, fantastic, marauding non-stop footballer he is. He is clearly having such fun with Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The Barcelona trio have made football fun again - and they look like they’re having fun.

The away goals are outdated must be scrapped

Arsene Wenger said it would be like a “knife through the heart” every time Barcelona scored.

Wenger has always - or at least for as long as I can remember - been opposed to away goals and, if you think about it logically, they are outdated and can ruin European games.

Back in the 1980s and 90s, European football was so different. The home team went for it, the away team defended and a 2-0 home win was seen as a decent result.

ANALYSIS:

(Image: David Price)

Now the pendulum has swung and it can often be the home team sitting deep, trying to keep a clean sheet and the away team chase the all important away goal.

Basically, what it all means is that you don’t get pure football anymore. It’s a game of chess. The rules have changed a bit with the emphasis, but the away goal has become even more important in this era and that is in serious danger of impacting upon our entertainment levels.

Wenger is not just saying it now because Barcelona can score, but he’s always said it, and I agree with him wholeheartedly.

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Is there any point in scouting Barcelona?

Well, yes. Barcelona is a wonderful city, it’s my favourite European city, the food is great, fabulous architecture, it’s fun and you can easily get the hang of the place just walking around. It’s beautiful.

So, yes, there’s a good point in scouting Barcelona because you get to go there. What you actually learn from watching Luis Enrique’s team is probably not a lot.

(Image: Matthew Lewis/Getty)

Arsenal’s former coach and caretaker boss Stewart Houston often watches opponents in Europe and his trips probably reinforced a message of just how good this team is.

It looked like Barcelona were coming to an end with the break up of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield. Iniesta is still going strong but now the emphasis has moved away from midfield to the front three.

This is a new generation Barcelona team - and it’s even more entertaining.

Alexis Sanchez will be vital

(Image: Getty Images)

INIESTA: Alexis Sanchez is Arsenal's biggest threat

Sanchez has an ego, make no mistake about that. He’s fiery, determined and explosive.

When I asked Wenger on Saturday (after a disappointing substitute’s appearance against Hull) whether he had a decision to make about starting Sanchez, the Arsenal manager just laughed.

Anyone around the club will testify that Sanchez can be difficult to manage, uncontrollable at times and very demanding. He is a superstar, after all. Doesn’t like being subbed, doesn’t like being dropped and will have something to prove against his former club Barcelona.

In fact, Wenger conceded on Monday that he will have a “little word” with Sanchez to maybe even calm him down.

(Image: Getty)

Wenger said: “He will be fired up, but that doesn’t mean he will be in the right zone. The performance zone is where you are focused and relaxed. And that's what is difficult in sport.

"Sometimes when you are too focused you are not relaxed, so its zone where everything looks easy. and sometimes when you play against your former club you are not necessarily in that zone.”

Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have to be in the zone for Arsenal to beat Barcelona and pull off a miracle result. And that’s what it will take.

Wenger's balancing act

(Image: Stuart MacFarlane)

Wenger probably would have chosen Gabriel ahead of Per Mertesacker had the Brazilian defender been fit. His pace alongside Laurent Koscielny would have been important. Mertesacker offers more leadership and experience, but you might fancy pace on this occasion.

Wenger’s biggest dilemma is on the right. Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Joel Campbell.

Campbell works hardest defensively, Oxlade-Chamberlain is more of a midfield presence and Walcott gives more of an attacking threat. It might just be that Walcott’s biggest threat will be his turbo jets from the bench.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien)

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Barcelona on - TV information and more

Oxlade-Chamberlain looks like being Wenger’s choice, that would be a huge vote of confidence for a player who faces a career crossroads this summer. He came to play in the big games and if he isn't then he moves. If he is then his career can kick on.

Much more importantly, Arsenal need a good balance in midfield to protect the defence. They need to be diligent, choosing when to break, and also capable of soaking up a hell of a lot of pressure.

Sanchez and Ozil will be the out-balls and Olivier Giroud crucial in holding up the ball.

Petr Cech has never been beaten by Lionel Messi

Petr Cech is Arsenal’s best goalkeeper in years. He’s probably been even more important than Sanchez or Ozil.

He emanates confidence, gives the defence belief and is a world class keeper who can make incredible saves.

Lionel Messi never scored past him against Chelsea - and if Arsenal are to win or draw then that must stay in tact tonight.

Cech is so good, so important, that the Arsenal keeper is capable of keeping a clean sheet. But Messi, with six goals in four games, has history against the Gunners.

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