Champions League
2009-05-27 - Manchester United vs Barcelona
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: Europe, UEFA Champions League
Wednesday 27th May 2009 - Kickoff 19:45
This is the game that will create history for either side that wins this prestigious Cup.
If Manchester United wins, they would be the one of a handful of sides that managed to defend their title, while Barcelona would join the likes of Ajax, Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the category of three-time winners if they win here today.
With so much at stake, which side will be standing on top at the podium of Rome’s Stadio Olimpico lifting the trophy?
Barcelona
Barcelona will walk into this game missing no less than four key defenders. Gabi Milito and Rafeal Marquez are both sidelined with injuries while Dani Alves and Eric Abidal are both suspended. Josep Guardiola will have much to think about as he finalizes his back four.
As I have mentioned in the previous rounds, I believe Barcelona are relatively week away from home in Europe. They don’t seem to perform as well as they do at the Nou Camp. They drew against Lyon, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. More interesting they came from behind in all three of these games.
Guardiola is likely to start with Valdes in goal protected by Pique, Puyol, Yaya Toure and Sylvinho.
While Iniesta is doubtful ahead of this clash, Sergio Busquet is ready to take his place if Iniesta fails to make it into the starting lineup and he will be accompanied by Xavi and Seydou Keita.
Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto and Henry should start in a three man attack. However Henry is not a 100% fit therefore Bojan Krkic or Alexander Hleb might get a rare start.
Looking at the way it stands, Barcelona are missing a lot of key players and with Henry and Iniesta not a 100% fit, they will have to do a lot if they wish to compete against a fully fit and hardworking United side.
Lionel Messi has bagged eight goals to his name in this year’s UEFA Champions League but have yet to score away from the Nou Camp since the knockout stages. In addition, Messi had a poor game in both legs against Chelsea. The physical side of this English game might just be too much for the young Argentinean.
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson gave his senior side the weekend off when his reserves walked away with all three points against Hull.
With almost an entire squad to select from, it will be interesting to see who will start in which position and what will be his formula in neutralizing Barcelona. The Scot managed to do that in last year’s Semi-Final and he will be hoping to repeat that.
Patrice Evra has been told that will be given the job to mark Lionel Messi and killing off the threat of Messi would be an ideal way to neutralize Barcelona.
Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to start with Edwin Van Der Saar in goal protected by John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra. At full strength, United only conceded 24 goals in 38 Premier League games.
In midfield, the suspension of Darren Fletcher would mean that Michael Carrick will partner Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs alongside Anderson in a midfield trio accompanied Park Ji Sung and Wayne Rooney from the flanks leaving Ronaldo up as a lone striker.
Wayne Rooney is often pushed to the left side of midfield but with Lional Messi playing exactly at his opposite position, Sir Alex should move Park Ji Sung in left midfield to help out Evra, while Rooney could inter-swap positions with Ronaldo.
The Betting Verdict :
Sir Alex Ferguson is a very experienced manager at this level will his fellow counterpart is only in his rookie year as a manager.
Guardiola’s lack of managerial experience could cost him dearly as it almost did against Chelsea. He was totally outclassed in both the games against Chelsea therefore I believe Sir Alex Ferguson would win this battle of tactics.
Lionel Messi has difficulty playing against more physical sides and the English game is a very physical one therefore I do expect Messi to have a quiet night.
With the number of defenders missing for Barcelona it will be interesting to see how the make-shift defense does against the runs of Anderson, Giggs and Rooney. Yaya Toure is good player but playing him in central defense might see Anderson of Giggs causing him a trouble or two.
Additional Note :
This has been a remarkable season for me and for those who have backed me week in week out, with solid picks from the UEFA CL and the Spanish La Liga. Check out Goonersguide from time to time again during summer as we build up to the start of next season.
Thank You for your wonderful support and I hope to end of the 2008/2009 season with yet another win.
Cheers,
- Shady.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester United to lift the trophy for a price of around 1.90
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Manchester United on the level ball handicap start.
