Champions League
2009-04-07 - Manchester United vs F.C Porto
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Manchester United goes into this match welcoming back three key players for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg clash with F.C Porto at Old Trafford today. Who can forget it was Porto who knocked out Manchester United back in 2004 when they were guided by Jose Mourinho back in the last 16 stage.
Then Porto grabbed a last-minute goal to draw 1-1 at the Theatre of Dreams to seal a 3-2 aggregate win, sending the 'Special One'running towards the touchline celebrating the goal. And Porto went on to become Champions of Europe that year but since then, this season is the first time they have gone further than the first knockout round.
The Red Devils are boosted by the fact that they will welcome back Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic after they missed the 3-2 dramatic win over Aston Villa which was scored by 17 year old Federico Macheda and he will start from the bench in this match.
Vidic's presence is vital after United struggled in his absence. However, centre-back partner Rio Ferdinand will miss out as he failed to recover in time ahead of this clash. Striker Dimitar Berbatov is also out after injuring his ankle in the 2-0 defeat to Fulham before the International break.
Winger Park Ji-sung will likely start this match as he was an unused substitute against Aston Villa. The likes of Defenders Rafael (ankle) and Wes Brown (foot) still misses out while Owen Hargreaves (knee)is out on a long term.
As for Porto, defender Christian Sapunaru is rated doubtful but has still been included in the side. Midfielder Freddy Guarin is expected to be in the starting eleven after recovering from a sprained ankle.
Lisandro Lopez will also be in the starting lineup after he was forced to miss the win over Victor Guimareas due to a suspension.
The visitors will miss the services of captain Pedro Emanuel and Nelson Benitez as both are ruled out through injury. Jorge Fucile is also sidelined with injury while teenage ace Rabiola has not been selected at all.
Take Manchester United to win this match and give the 1 1/4 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Manchester United to win 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester United to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester United and give the 1 1/2 ball here.
