Champions League
2009-04-15 - F.C Porto vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Manchester United will aim to do what no English clubs have ever done before and that is to get the win at Porto and qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Since 2004 at the Estadio do Drago, Porto are unbeaten against English sides and that was the time when they knocked out the Red Devils at the last 16 stage.
Chelsea, Liverpool and most recently Arsenal have all fallen victims to Porto when they travelled to Portugal and came away empty handed. This shows the big task that lies ahead for Sir Alex Feruson team if they are to retain their title they won last season.
In the first leg, Porto shocked the Red Devils when they came away with a 2-2 draw and they took the game to United attacking them at the Theatre of Dreams. Then the likes of Hulk, Lisandro Lopez and Cristian Rodriguez gave United's defence a nightmare and United will be glad to have Rio Ferdinand for this clash. The 30-year-old has missed the club's last three games but will be fit for this all important clash.
Porto boss Jesualdo Ferreira refused to believe their home record against English teams would matter here when it is United they are facing. He added that his present team have only two or three players from the 2004 team so it will not make much difference here.
It must be remembered that back in 1999 Manchester United had to come from two goals down in Turin to beat Juventus 3-2 en-route to winning the competition in 1999. Sir Alex Ferguson stated that his team has risen to the occasion pointing out games in Rome, Milan and Barcelona as examples.
One game that comes to mind is against Juventus when they drew at home and then won away.
United will also bring in Ryan Giggs for his speed apart from Ferdinand in defence. Cristiano Ronaldo will be the player that could make all the difference here in his homeland. Anderson could start against the team he joined the Red Devils from in July 2007 as Darren Fletcher has a hamstring injury.
Porto is likely to field the same side that managed the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Argentinian forward Ernesto Farias will likely be dropped despite scoring twice in the weekend's 3-0 win over CF Estrela da Amadera.
Take Manchester United and give the 1/4 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester United to win 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester United to win this match
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United and give the 1/4 ball here.
