So let’s start with the line-up. Arsene Wenger’s not going to change from 4-5-1 now and the only real selection questions now seem to be Campbell or Senderos and which two of Reyes, Ljungberg and Pires will start. Senderos is apparently fit again and Sol was described by a journo on Sky Sports News earlier as a boxer who had been shocked one time too many. The number 23 has not convinced since his return and I think Arsenal’s chance of a shut-out would be greatly improved by the return of Philippe. Some believe that Wenger will go with Campbell’s experience but Senderos has played in some huge matches for club and country and has the necessary experience to face Barcelona.

As for the midfield, I believe Wenger will start with Reyes and Ljungberg, accompanying the more obvious Gilberto, Fabregas and Hleb. If Reyes is not producing anything, he should be brought off a bit earlier than the customary 71 minutes and replaced by Pires. Reyes stank the place out against Villarreal and it would not distress this observer too much if Pires got the nod instead and played central. However, this could well lessen Freddie’s impact, so ultimately it’s a decision I’m pleased I don’t have to make. What’s undoubted is that all three are potential match winners and I don’t doubt that all will play some part.

That Arsenal have already secured entry into next year’s competition will probably not be a big factor for anyone apart from the supporters, safe in the knowledge that defeat will not allow Tottenham in. I really don’t see that it would have changed the players’ approach, despite what the manager has said when referring to Middlesbrough’s tactics against Sevilla. Barcelona, allowed time and space before the final third, will take their time to prise open the gaps they need to create their scoring opportunities. But the Gunners must not allow them such a luxury if they are to buck the odds and win. Basically, they have to compete in the middle third and simply not allow the Catalan side to settle and find a rhythm.

In their two best matches in the tournament so far, in the Bernabeu and at home to Juventus, Arsenal battled and had a huge say in the tempo of the matches, ultimately winning both. There was no sitting back as the midfield got stuck in and forced mistakes. This must be the approach in the Stade de France. Arsenal don’t have to be reckless or play with total abandon, but I do believe that they will have to be ahead by the hour mark if they are going to win. Fatigue will tell after that (despite the ten day break) as Barca’s squad is bigger and they have been able to rotate more over the course of the season. Critically, the Gunners needing to compete means that they will have to work hard and end up hanging on, unless they manage to get a two goal lead and can play the game out without fear, which is a long shot.

Barca are not the solid outfit their record makes out. In both the quarter final and semi final first legs away from the Nou Camp, there were chances aplenty created by Benfica and Milan. What matters on Wednesday is taking the good chances that will come Arsenal’s way. It’s all down to details. Arsenal can win if the link-up play between the four midfielders ahead of Gilberto and Thierry Henry is a significant improvement on that seen in the semi final second leg, when the captain was isolated.

Lionel Messi may well appear from the bench, Eto’o is a quality striker that Chelsea are prepared to pay upwards of £35 million for. Ronaldinho can win a match with a pass. Deco has been in this situation before only two years ago. What this means is that for Wenger’s men to end up lifting the trophy, several players have to perform to the limit of their abilities, and certainly no-one can afford to not do their job in the way that a few managed in Villarreal. Triangles of players have to perform in sync to defend against the menace posed by Barca. Gilberto and the two centre backs. Eboue, Fabregas and Hleb on the critical right flank. Cole, Reyes and Ljungberg need to all step up to the plate – a trio of players that have question marks against them for a variety of reasons.

It’s unlikely to be the feast of football everyone’s hoping for. I hope that the reason for this is because Arsenal are in there breaking up the play rather than sitting back in the hope of defending their way to penalties or a 1-0. Tension could get the better of the players (although you could argue the mentality at Villarreal was shaped by the first leg), but they must overcome this and not sit deep. Barcelona will kill Arsenal with free-kicks and intricate passing if they are allowed to play within ten yards of the Gunners’ box.

I can actually live with the idea of losing this match if I am satisfied that my team have gone about the task in front of them in a way of which I am proud. No-one can say that about the FA Cup Final last season, although the absence of Thierry Henry and the desperate desire not to lose to United of all teams (after the Battle of the Buffet) obviously shaped Wenger’s thinking.

Le Boss has made the right noises about what Arsenal will do. The venue is perfect – home from home for the French contingent and the majority of the stadium will be backing the yellows. It should feel like a home match. On paper Barcelona are the likely winners, but let’s just hope that on the Stade de France turf, the Gunners prove the worthy ones.