Campbell and Reyes start for Gunners

Sol Campbell returned to the heart of the Arsenal defence for tonight’s crunch encounter with Villarreal as the Gunners look to book their place in the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger recalled the veteran England centre-back – fit again following surgery on a broken nose – in place of injured Philippe Senderos.

Freddie Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb, and Jose Antonio Reyes who was suspended from the first leg, all started with captain Thierry Henry leading the Arsenal attack.

Villarreal have only scored more than one goal on three occasions in this season’s competition and must do so tonight against an Arsenal defence which has not conceded for nine straight matches in the Champions League.

Goalkeeper Sebastian Viera returned from a ban but only made the bench while Alessio Tacchinardi was suspended.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan was once again the main weapon for the ‘Yellow Submarine’ as they fought to upset the odds and reach the European Cup final for the first time.

Villarreal v Arsenal teams

Villarreal: Barbosa, Javi Venta, Pena, Quique Alvarez, Arruabarrena, Riquelme, Josico, Senna, Sorin, Forlan, Franco.

Subs: Viera, Arzo, Guayre, Roger, Hector Font, Jose Mari, Rubio.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Campbell, Flamini, Hleb, Fabregas, Silva, Ljungberg, Reyes, Henry.

Subs: Almunia, Diaby, Pires, Van Persie, Song Billong, Clichy, Djourou.

Referee: Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria)