Sanchez, Ozil back for Barca showdown

BeSoccer 9 years ago 327
The Arsenal team attend a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Barcelona, at Arsenals London Colney training ground on February 22, 2016

Arsene Wenger recalled influential duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for Arsenal's Champions League last 16, first leg showdown with holders Barcelona on Tuesday.

Wenger had rested Chile winger Sanchez and Germany midfielder Ozil for Saturday's FA Cup fifth round draw against Hull, but they were back in the starting line-up as the Gunners boss reverted to his strongest available team at the Emirates Stadium.

Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin came back into central midfield, while Olivier Giroud started up front and Petr Cech was in goal.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique named his attacking superstars, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in his starting line-up.

Enrique made four changes to the side that beat Las Palmas on Saturday, with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, centre-back Gerard Pique and midfielders Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic all back in action.

Teams for the Champions League last 16 first leg between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

Petr Cech; Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal; Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez; Olivier Giroud

Coach: Arsene Wenger (FRA)

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar

Coach: Luis Enrique (ESP)

Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (TUR)

Mentioned in the news story

M. Özil
Alexis Sánchez
Barcelona