Champions League
2008-04-23 - F.C Barcelona vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Manchester United knows they cannot afford to lose at the Nou Camp when they travel to Spain to face Barcelona in the first leg of the semi-finals. The Red Devils who are having a great season will look to Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo to inspire the team to a result here in this match. The hosts on the other hand will look upon Argentine Lionel Messi who is back after a five week lay off with a thigh injury.
However Barcelona currently third in their La Liga are not in the best of forms coming into this match. They were whistled off the pitch in their last two home games at the Nou Camp after failing to find the back of the net against Getafe as well as city rivals Espanyol.
To make matters worse, they have only managed just one win in their last eight league games, which means Real Madrid is virtually assured of the title with a massive eleven points lead at the top.
Frank Rijkaard's side were also knocked out in the King's Cup in the semi-finals which means that they only have the Champions League as their best chance for a trophy this season. The only way Frank Rijkaard could keep his job is if he wins the Champions League, but that seems a tall order with the poor form they are displaying now.
It is rumoured that Getafe's Michael Laudrup is being linked with the Barcelona coaching job when the new season starts.
United on the other hand have showed true character despite drawing with Blackburn 1-1 last weekend. They looked dead and buried and did well to force a draw through Tevez late in the game. Their never say did attitude and constant attacks have made them popular with the fans all over the world.
With regards to head to head meetings, there is not much to seperate both sides as they have met 7 times with Barcelona winning 2, Manchester United winning 2 times and the other 3 have ended up as draws.
The players to watch for United will be Ronaldo and Rooney and also watch out for Tevez if he plays in this match.
There is much unrest in Barcelona with players such as Thierry Henry, and also Samuel Eto'O saying they would leave the club in the summer due to poor form as well as inability of the club to win trophies.
Manchester United came close last seaosn but were knocked out by eventual champions A.C Milan, this time expect Manchester United to reach the final in Moscow.
Take Manchester United on level ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Manchester United to win 2-1
