Back-up keeper Manuel Almunia returns from a hand problem, and will sit on the bench. And Robert Pires is available again having recovered from the flu. Bobby could be a starter, but it seems more likely that we'll go with the side that did so well in the historic and thrilling 1-0 win in the awya leg 2 weeks ago.

The defence is picking itself at the moment, with Emmanuel Eboue, Philippe Senderos, Kolo Toure, and Mathieu Flamini lined up in front of Jens Lehmann. On the bench we should have Sebastian Larsson and Johan Djourou as cover.

Gilberto and Cesc should play, along with Freddie Ljungberg, all three were particularly effective in the Bernebeu, with Gilberto's role being clarified by the 5 man midfield. With Thierry Henry leading the line (and the team) up front, that leaves us with 2 places. Jose Reyes will surely take one of them, seeing as you know he'll be 200% up for this one, either up front alongside Thierry or on the left of midfield (or a bit of both).

Perhaps the choice for the final place depends on formation. In a 5 man midfield we'll probably go for Alex Hleb again on the right, allowing Freddie to play a freer and more attacking role. In a 4 man midfield perhaps it'll be Bobby on the left with Jose up front. Dennis Bergkamp is available too though, and perhaps if Real give us time and space he could come into his own.

According to Arsene Wenger, van Persie, Sol Campbell, and Pascal Cygan are all very close to returning, but not yet, and they miss out along with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy. Wenger has also commented that Theo Walcott is likely to be on the bench, but Arturo Lupoli is too. Walcott would become the second youngest Champs League player ever if he gets on the field, the youngest having been Celestine Babayaro, for Anderlecht in 1994.

Spain defender Sergio Ramos missed the 2-1 win over Atletico at the weekend through suspension, but is expected to step back in at Highbury. Ronaldo was dropped for the Atletico match but has been recalled to the squad for tomorrow. Will he play or will it be Raul and Robinho? After his performance against us last time, we'll be hoping it's Ronaldo. Now that's a weird thought.

Real have of course been in a bit of turmoil behind the scenes since we beat them. But it's the kind of turmoil that could galvanize rather than distract. New president Fernando Martin has been criticising his predecessor Florentino Perez and the 'Galacticos' policy, and saying plenty of stuff that should give the Real fans hope of a turnaround in their fortunes (but perhaps not a quick one if he's not planning on buying it Abramovich-style). He also wasted no time in expressing his interest in Cesc Fabregas, who followed up his great performance in the Bernebue with an equally impressive one in his full Spanish debut. Wenger responded by saying Martin's just trying to unsettle us before the big game, and that he doesn't have the class of Perez.

Here's hoping that Real Madrid's first visit to Highbury doesn't end up being the last European match at the stadium. They need to score, so if we can keep them out for a while they're going to be the ones under pressure. And they're going to need to leave some space for Thierry, Jose, and Freddie to exploit. If they do score, it's going to be a big test of character for the Arsenal. We've been visibly rocked by goals from the likes of Blackburn and Wigan of late. Perhaps a goal from Raul or Ronaldo won't come as so much of a surprise.