Everyone's opinion has something different to add and is a great discussion, but I have learnt to just accept Allegri's decisions (however stupid they may be) and hope for the best.
It will not stop me from putting in my 2 cents and voicing my opinion also.

Everyone seems to think that Mesbah is going to solve all our problems at LB but the guy has 0 experience and although he makes runs forward, he only passes the ball backwards and doesn't provide what we really need, which is a Serginho-esque type of player. He looks nervous even in Serie A and I don't think I can trust him for such a big game. Zambrotta will give us plenty of cover defensively and Antonini with provide lots of energy that we will need. So I would be happy for either of those 2 to start.

The midfield really is a no-brainer. Should be Nocerino, MVB, and Seedorf. I don't know why Allegri has this thing with Nocerino having to play on the left side, he can do the same job on the other side and that means Seedorf can feel more natural on that left side where I think he can control the game. I would DEFINITELY keep him away from trequartista.

Forward line should be Robinho behind Ibra and El Shaarawy. As long as Robinho is not in front of goal then he is a great player and can create chances, has the skill that can unlock the Arsenal defence and can be a real handful.

Having Boateng and Pato on the bench is a great thing because we have options in case plan A doesn't work. But I do not believe in rushing players back when they are not match fit just because your scared we're gonna lose.

So here's my line up:

----------Whichever keeper--------

Abate---Nesta--Silva---Zambrotta

----Noce-----MVB------Seedorf-----

--------------Robhino----------------

-------Ibra---------El Shaarawy----

Antonini can't defend,his energy is basically 0.00001%efficient,and Zambrotta would give us some defensive stability.But,Mesbah has done nothing wrong to be dropped.
Also,Nocernio's game changes so much when he switches sides...

This post has been edited by William405: Feb 15 2012, 06:19 AM

Mesbah hasn't been tested thus far and because of his lack of experience we don't know how he will handle such a big occasion or a player with as much pace as walcott.
I just don't feel this is the match to experiment with him. I think he can be just as much a defensive liability as antonini. He also gets forward and can get caught out of position.
If Mesbah plays and has an awesome game then I'll eat my words, but I just can't see it.

wow, and we think Allegri is dumb!

But,how is Antonini remotly a better option...Zambrotta maybe,if he's up to his standards.But,Mesbah has been pretty tidy with his play,and his positioning has been great...ofc we can get hit on the counter attack,and he might get caught,but frqnkly it would have happened to all of our other fullbacks too.

Australian tv is showing the zenit vs benfica game instead of this one. i hate my life.

I would go with the same line up, Allegri pleeeaase....

Last night I dreamed we won this game so... we'll probably lose.

Nice to see so many old faces here in this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) And even better, we are approaching 100 posts before the match. Fingers crossed the match itself will end up being huge and action packed. A quarterfinals appearance would be very welcome, but even if we go out against Arsenal the team will focus on the league.

Juventus has both eyes on the Serie A this season, thanks to no Europe. That's worrisome, if you ask me!

This is a far bigger game than it should be. Both coaches seem to be under pressure for the wrong reasons.

Understandably, but I also don't want it to be a slow dud, just because it's the first leg. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) I don't see Barcelona matches, but from what I've heard today's (yesterday's) match was as boring as they come, even though the Spanish side won 3-1. All I want is good, solid action. It's been a while, really.

Are you sure?

Remeber the Zenit game is being played earlier than ours.

Holy Sh!t Zd, a little optimism please.

(IMG:http://hanshaupt.com/images/62f4d660d533_CA6D/Optimism.jpg)

Nope...we will probably lose. I just hope we don't lose badly. And I also hope I don't have to watch the match with English commentary.

Just watched a match preview with interviews from Allegri & Wenger.

Of course Arsene has decided to voice his concerns ahead of time about the quality of the pitch (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(... as if both teams aren't going to be playing on it)

Expect more possible complaints or excuses from him in the post match interview deppending on this game's outcome.

Arsene is such a lilttle b!t<h!