Laudrup: Barcelona will kill sluggish Arsenal

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Laudrup: Barcelona will kill sluggish Arsenal - Former Barcelona superstar Michael Laudrup fears a lack of pace will undermine Arsenal’s attempts to cause a major Champions League shock in the last 16 on Tuesday.

The Gunners will start as underdogs when they take on the reigning European champions at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg encounter, despite already having beaten Bayern Munich 2-0 earlier in the competition.

Laudrup, who masterminded victory over Arsenal during his time as manager of Swansea City, believes the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will fill their boots if Arsene Wenger’s side overcommit to attack.

He told Goal: “I have seen Arsenal quite a few times this season. When they have a good day they are the best team in the Premier League.

“They have talent, especially in midfield with Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott on the wing, but it is hard for them because Barcelona are so strong in attack.

“Arsenal have problems in defence because they haven't enough speed and if they attack too much Barcelona will kill them on the counter.

“I think Barcelona are clearly favourites, especially taking into account how injuries have been affecting Arsenal recently.”