Messi, Xavi & Ronaldo up for Uefa award

Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi will fight Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award after the list of nominees was announced.

The inaugural award will take place in August and the final trio have been announced after a jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the Uefa member associations scaled down the list which included Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, and Barcelona's Andres Iniesta.

A deciding vote to determine which player will win the award takes place on August 25.

Can Arsenal really beat Barcelona?

Arsenal will be looking for sweet revenge tonight as they take on the one team in the world that plays football just that little bit prettier than they do. The Gunners have matured and have surprised many this season, but have they improved enough to beat the Spanish champions Barcelona?

History tells us that the great Catalan club are beatable, but also that clubs must adjust their tactics and play to their best to be in with a chance of winning. Football.co.uk's Jamie Clarke ponders some of the ways in which Arsene Wenger might approach tonight's clash at the Emirates.