April 23, 2008

UCL prediction: Barca v. Manchester Utd.

After a thrilling finish in the first semifinal, will the second live up.

Man. United v. Barcelona.

Probably the highest rated team in the world against an uber-talented yet underachieving team from Spain.

Here are some storylines:
  • Man U. is getting healthy. Van der Sar, Rooney, Anderson and Hargreaves should be available. Fletcher and Neville are maybes.

  • The last time the English club went to Camp Nou was the memorable win over Bayern Munich on the trophy in '99.

  • Barca is third in La Liga and 11 points back. They'll be fired up to play well in the UCL.

  • In 2006, the Spaniards won the title over Arsenal thanks to Jens Lehmann's stupidity Henrik Larsson.

  • Messi is back, Ronaldinho is out.
PREDICTION: The Red Devils are the superior club and will dictate the action for the majority of the 90 minutes. Barca will be overmatched and outmanned, even at home. 2-1 Manchester United.

38 -- Rooney (Nani)
66 -- Ronaldo (pk)
73 -- Eto'o (Henry)

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