Champions League
2011-05-28 - Barcelona vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This Champions League final will see the Champions of England meeting the Champions of Spain in what will be a repeat of the 2009 final. Manchester United will be aiming for revenge after losing back then. And with both sides having reached the finals twice in the last five years these two sides will have achieved what other sides can only dream of.
And both teams have dominated their local domestic leagues and while Barcelona are no doubt the favourites, it has to be said that Manchester United are still unbeaten in this Competition this season.
And while Barcelona cruised through a group also containing FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos, before reversing a first-leg deficit to knock out Arsenal in the last 16. They then demolished Shakhtar Donestk in the quarter finals was followed by an eagerly-awaited tie against rivals Real Madrid, when Lionel Messi's magic made all the difference.
Meanwhile, Manchester United came out ahead of Valencia, Rangers and Bursaspor in their group and were rewarded with a clash against Marseille in the next round. The Red Devils took out the French side and then held off the challenge of Chelsea in the quarter-finals, United hammered Schalke to take their place in this weekend's final which will be a repeat of the 2009's final.
While Manchester United won the Premiership in impressive style, Barcelona managed a staggering 96 points in winning the Primera Liga title. Nevertheless one thing is for certain and that is the outcome of Saturday's final in London that will determine how fondly the 2010/11 campaign is remembered by each set of supporters.
Now as for this match, it is obvious that Barcelona are the favourites, with players such as Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi ranked as the top three players in the world at the end-of-year Ballon d'Or awards.
But there has been questions about United side as to whether they still have the hunger as the previous batch. But the Red Devils have shown that they are the best defensive side in the tournament. And no doubt the Red Devils United have found a formidable formula of defensive solidity, speed and intensity in midfield and a cutting edge up front provided by the dual talents of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.
It has to be said that United were not able to come out on top when they met the same opponents in the 2009 final, which Barcelona won 2-0, but will have happier memories of the last time they played a European Cup final at Wembley in 1968 and beat Benfica.
As for the team news ahead of this clash, this will be United's Edwin van Der Sar's final match before he retires at the age of 40. The veteran Dutchman will be shielded by a back four comprising Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, captain Nemanja Vidic and one of the Brazilian twins, perhaps Fabio here.
In midfield we are likely to see the likes of Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-sung, although Nani, Anderson and Darren Fletcher will also hope to feature. Hernandez is set to cap a terrific debut season with a place in the forward line beside Rooney. If there is one weak point in Barcelona it has to be their defence.
Meanwhile for Barcelona, they have all their key players fit after resting the majority of their main men in the final two rounds of domestic matches. Eric Abidal is back in the side after returning from two months out following surgery on a liver tumour.
The French left-back is now in contention to play at Wembley alongside fellow defenders Dani Alves, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, although versatile Argentine Javier Mascherano is another alternative if Guardiola decides he does not want to risk Abidal and Puyol.
Sergio Busquets will play the holding role in midfield that allows Xavi and Iniesta freedom to move about while Messi will be supported in attack by David Villa and Pedro upfront.
Take Manchester United and accept the 1/2 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester United to win 2-1
