Champions League Preview: Manchester United-Barcelona
Monday, 28 April 08, 07:58 PM · Comments (57)
Barça go into tomorrow night's semi final second leg with Man Utd knowing that a defeat will mean the end of another trophyless season. However, a win or a score draw will see us through to the final in Moscow on May 21 with a golden opportunity to win the third European Cup in our history and the second of Frank Rijkaard's time as coach.
I have heard some Barça fans say that it would be better to lose as that would mean we would definitely have to make changes in summer. I have to say that whether we win the Champions League or not there are already big changes being planned. Rijkaard could just as easily leave even if he does make history by becoming the first Barça coach to win the trophy twice, and as for the players I don't think any of them that are likely to leave this summer can change anything now. So it is time to get behind the team 100% and hopefully we can see a historic performance at Old Trafford.
Rooney and Vidic were both taken off injured in Saturday's defeat at Chelsea but of the two I imagine Vidic will start and Rooney probably won't. Reports from England say he got a whack on the hip but it looked more like a groin problem to me. I'll be surprised if he makes it. Sir Alex Ferguson has declared that it will be a different game at Old Trafford and it is difficult to imagine United playing so defensively. Barça don't know how to change their style so it should be a more open match and we will surely see some goals.
According to the BBC Toure Yaya is a doubt with an ankle injury although I could find no mention of this in the Spanish press. Puyol will replace the suspended Marquez in defence, but the question that concerns me most is whether Thierry Henry plays. He may still be highly respected in England, and he may also have experience of playing at Old Trafford, but I think it would be a big mistake for him to start. If Messi cannot last for 90 minutes then by all means bring Henry on as a substitute. I strongly feel that Rijkaard should use the same players as in the first game with Iniesta further forward and Deco and Xavi in midfield. If Henry plays it would mean one of the three pequeños would have to sit out.
This is the type of game we all live to see. Let's hope we see 90 minutes of non-stop excitement, and let's all pray that the luck is with us. Bring it on!
Barça's 18-man squad: Valdés, Pinto, Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Edmilson, Toure, Xavi, Deco, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Bojan, Eto'o, Henry.
Possible starting XIs:
Man Utd: Van Der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Park; Ronaldo, Tevez.
Barça: Valdés; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Deco; Messi, Eto'o, Iniesta.
My Prediction: Man Utd 2 Barça 2
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Mourinho cant come to Barca, his way of understanding footie is way different than Barcas philosophy.
I think Pellegrini from Villareal would be a good call, also Laudrup.
About who to sign, I cant really think of any other strikers apart from David Villa or Diego Milito. We need at least 2 fullbacks and a centre back, 2 midfielders would be nice (if possible a left footed one and other of the likes of Gerrard or Lampard, with this i mean someone who can do some dirty work and still pass the ball and score from outside the box). In the superstars department.... imho theres nobody out there, so Barca should c that Messi fully recovers.
Barca need to play as a team... that is the only thing that differs from what Real have at the moment, they dont have 1/4th of the talent we possess, but, somehow, the team just cannot deliver as a team.... My best wishes and good luck...
@winterhunt
Thanks Man...Stakes are low but it sure will be nice to rain on RM's parade. I need "something" to hold on to for the long hot summer months ahead. Jeez man, can you imagine the "nut case" of a Real Madrid fan and Barcelona hater I have at home running circles around me and cheering on the "cheatin', lying, fabricating lil" *&^%%$ called Ronaldo...Jeez man I need a drink!!!
I once teased you of wanting to commit suicide but I think I was simply talking about myself..joder!!!
Anyway, good luck with the film!
Man Utd 1 Barça 2
COME ON BARCA!!!!
Nick is right, now is not the time for doubters. The changes will come next season no matter what. Lets all get behind our boys because we know they can do it!
I feel Messi is going to have a monstrous night. 2-2 Messi & Eto'o
United 1-1 Barca....
Good point about negative fans.....They don't make much sense.
57 Comments · Add yours
just one mistake, just one, but i can say they have worked for that mistake all season...we only worked for ours when we felt like(champions league).
i just wish i could know why he removed iniesta.....??????
The only mistake there was is that Frank was the coaching Barca. Layi your answer i think he feared he might score goal ( God Forbid). Any way Fans just go to sleep and wait for the sun to rise tomorrow ! There is not point for crying over spilled milk. I know i seem like a bad fan at the moment but i actually expected this. Under Frank I expected every thing. Better luck when Frank leaves.