Champions League
2009-04-15 - Porto vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: Europe, UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, 15th April 2009 - Kickoff 19:45
Will Federico Macheda rescue Manchester once again like he did on two occasions in the past 10 days? Will he even play?
What’s for sure is United will have to improve on their performance if they wish to progress.
Porto (1st - Portugal)
Home Form : Europe 2-1-1 : Domestic 7-4-1)
Jesualdo Ferreira would be delighted with his side’s display in the first leg with a draw, more importantly, grabbing 2 vital away goals.
Helton made some good saves to keep Porto in the game while Rodrigues, Lisandro and Hulk caused the weak United defense trouble all night along.
Ferreira is likely to name an unchanged squad that held Manchester to a draw last week.
Helton will start in goal protected by Bruno Alves, Rolando, Sapunaru and Cissokho in defense. Bruno Alves would definitely want to redeem himself for the error he made that resulted in Rooney’s goal.
In midfield, Lucho Gonzalez will feature in the middle accompanied by Raul Meireles and Fernando while Cristian Rodriguez and Hulk support Lisandro up front.
Lucho Gonzalez will have a crucial game up ahead as he is the key in this Porto’s midfield. I am impressed with the way he influences the game and the way he spreads the ball around to Rodriguez and Hulk.
Porto would be banking on Lisandro to get the goals as he had a rather quiet night in the first leg based on his standards. Lisandro currently has six goals to his name in the Champions League and would love to catch Messi for the elite Golden Boot award.
Manchester United (1st - England)
Away Form : Europe 1-3-0 : Domestic 9-4-3)
Manchester on the other hand would have to step up on their game if they wish to be the first English side to win in Estadio Do Dragao.
Not too long ago, United’s defense seemed rock solid when they had the amazing run of clean sheets but it was never the same ever since losing to Liverpool last month.
United have let it eleven goals in their last five games, an average of over 2 goals a game! This is simply unacceptable if United are to be crowned champions once again in Europe.
Sir Alex Ferguson must be thanking his lucky stars once again as Federico Macheda rescued Manchester for the second time in ten days. He has travelled with the squad to Porto and will be on the bench.
Sir Alex is likely to name some changes with his squad that draw 2-2 with Porto last week. Sir Alex is likely to set out a 4-5-1 formation as he always do in Europe.
Edwin Van Der Sar will start in goal protected by O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. Ferdinand has been included in the squad and I do expect him to start as his partnership with Vidic is a key figure in this United defense.
In midfield, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs or Anderson will start at the heart of midfield leaving Ronaldo and Rooney on the wings to support Berbatov up front.
Rooney is expected to drop into the left wing role as he always do in Europe. Anderson has been included in the squad as he shakes of an injury and this will be his first time returning to Porto since he left the club.
The Betting Verdict :
This is a massive games for both clubs obviously and Manchester United will have to step up their game and I believe United will do so.
It's been five games since Manchester Utd dominated a game but I think Manchester should do enough to win the game.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Manchester United to win the gameConsider trying Rooney to score anytime 3.30 At Paddy Power
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Manchester United to cover the 0.5 ball headstart.
