Champions League
2009-05-05 - Arsenal vs Manchester Utd
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
United will go into this game with a slender lead but a precious one and hold the upper hand.Arsenal
Arsene Wenger will be delighted with his side weekend performance after his side defeated Portsmouth 3-0 away at Fratton Park.
Wenger knows that Arsenal must beat Manchester Utd by 2 clear goals if they wish to progress to the final and he should set out a rather offensive lineup compared to the first leg.
Wenger will have to do without the services of Gael Clichy, Van Persie, William Gallas, Silva and Rosicky as they are all out injured while former Manchester United defender Mikel Silvestre is doubtful for the game.
The Frenchman is likely to start with a 4-4-2 formation. Almunia will start in goal protected by Kolo Toure, Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou if Mikael Silvestre fails to recover in time.
In midfield, Casc Fabregas should partner Song Billabong in central midfield accompanied by Walcott and Nasri on the flanks. Meanwhile, Nicklas Bendtner who scored two goals at the weekend will be hoping for a start alongside Emmanuel Adebayor.
Manchester United
With a comfortable 2-0 away to Boro, Sir Alex Ferguson is a step closer to winning yet another English Premiership Title.
With four games remaining, Manchester United are certainly going to retain their Premiership crown despite Liverpool’s late push for it.
Manchester United rested a couple of players in the weekend win against Boro.
Ferguson made seven chances to the United lineup on the weekend, preferring to focus on this game. Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson, Van Der Saar and Rio Ferdinand were all given an off day as none of them featured in the weekend match.
United will go into this game without the services of Gary Neville and Oven Hargreaves while Evra is rated doubtful but I believe he should recover in time.
Ferguson is likely to start with his preferred 4-5-1 formation in the Champions League. Van Der Saar should be recalled to take his place in goal protected by John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra in defense.
Carrick , Anderson, Fletcher is likely to start in midfield flanked by Ronaldo and Park while Wayne Rooney should start up front.
Analysis
Judging on the way both these sides played in the first leg, it is obvious that the weak link in this Arsenal side is on the left back as Kieran Gibbs cannot deal with the amount of pressure Manchester United pump through the right side.
In addition with Silvestre doubtful for the game, I doubt Johan Djourou is experience enough to deal with Rooney and the late runs from the Manchester United players.
Key players to watch out for would definitely be Ronaldo as I fancy him to outplay young Gibbs. Almunia who made important saves in the first leg will have a big game to play as Arsenal must try stopping United from scoring.
Verdict :
Wenger's side play “pretty” football but that does not win you games especially in a two leg Champions League tie.
The weak link of Gibbs was exposed many times in the first leg and I believe Ferguson would have noted it and try to carry out attack after attack on the right side.
Arsenal is a great side on the counter attack but with Manchester United ready to sit back and defend, will Arsenal be able to score a couple of goals and win? My answer is NO.
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Consider trying Wayne Rooney (3.50 at Paddy Power) or Ronaldo (2.88 at Paddy Power) to score anytime as I believe either one of them should score for United.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United on a level ball start.
