Micah Richards claims Arsenal could batter Barcelona in Champions League
Former England defender Micah Richards believes Arsenal could decisively beat Barcelona in a potential Champions League semi-final if the Spanish side deploy a high defensive line.
The Gunners advanced to the last eight after defeating Bayer Leverkusen during the week.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now face Sporting Lisbon, entering the quarter-final tie as heavy favourites to progress.
A significantly tougher test likely awaits in the semi-finals against either Atletico Madrid or Barcelona.
Tactical battle awaits in Europe
The Catalan giants recently demonstrated their formidable attacking power by thrashing Newcastle United 7-2 at the Nou Camp.
However, their defensive risk-taking allowed the Magpies to equalise twice before eventually being overwhelmed.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards suggested this vulnerability could be heavily punished by the Premier League leaders.
If Barcelona play that high line then Arsenal would absolutely batter them.
Micah Richards
The pundit also warned that a deeper defensive approach from the La Liga outfit could completely reverse the tie’s outcome.
Attackers ready to exploit space
The former Manchester City full-back highlighted Gabriel Martinelli as a player perfectly suited to punishing advanced defences.
He noted the Brazilian winger possesses the blistering pace required to exploit vast spaces behind a high backline.
Martinelli, 100 per cent, would absolutely love to play against that without doubt.
Micah Richards
Richards added that physical forwards capable of strong, direct running would also thrive under such tactical conditions.
Chasing historic European glory
The North London club have historically struggled against the five-time European champions.
Their most notable defeat against the Spanish side came in the 2006 Champions League final at the Stade de France.
Despite this history, the English title contenders remain the bookmakers’ favourites to conquer Europe this season.
They have won nine of their ten continental fixtures this term and remain firmly in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.
