Champions League
2009-05-27 - Barcelona F.C vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This is it as Manchester United bids to become the first club since the change of format to successfully defend their Champions League title and winning it back to back. For Barcelona they will seek to become the first Spanish Club to win the treble as no Spanish Club has managed it before.
No doubt that these two teams - Champions in their domestic leagues will now contest to be the best in Europe as they square off in the Capital of Rome.
This clash will see the likes of United's stars in Wayne Rooney as well as Cristiano Ronaldo come up against the likes of Barca's Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta who destroyed Chelsea in the semi-finals.
With regards to the team news, United have suffered a late scare over 2008 World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or Ronaldo as the Portuguese trickster required treatment on an ankle injury following training on Tuesday. Nevertheless the 24-year-old - who missed the start of the season after undergoing ankle surgery is almost certain to start this match. Centre-back Rio Ferdinand has overcome a calf complaint and is expected to captain his side, who are also looking to become the first club since the legendary AC Milan of 1989 and 1990 to record successive European Cup wins. Manchester United have won previously in 1968, 1999 and 2008.
John O'Shea and Park Ji-sung is set to start this match as reward for their commitment to he side. Also Brazil international Anderson is expected to line up in midfield alongside Michael Carrick and veteran Ryan Giggs in the starting eleven. However, Darren Fletcher misses out after the red card against Arsenal.
For Barcelona, they go into this match with revenge in mind. The Catalan giants dominated United in the last four of the tournament one year ago only to lose the tie as the Red Devils went on to defeat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow. Now Barcelona wants to get their hands on the trophy tonight.
However, Barcelona who managed to win the trophy back in 1992 and 2006, have major defensive concerns as full-backs Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal are banned and centre-half Rafael Marquez is sidelined with a knee injury. Captain Carles Puyol is therefore expected to shift to right-back,with Seydou Keita on the left, and holding midfielder Yaya Toure will drop to central defence alongside former United youngster Gerard Pique who has managed to command a regular side in the team.
Sergi Busquets, who has suffered a fitness shock in training, should start in midfield while Iniesta and Thierry Henry will start this match after overcoming injuries as well.
Take Manchester United to win on level ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester United to win 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester United to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United on level ball here.
