Location : San Siro
As we all know, in recent times Manchester United have conquered all English opposition thrown their way without too much concern. A 7 point lead at the top of the Premier League is proof of United's dominance. Having mastered all comers English, it is only right that Sir Alex and his men challenge themselves with a new countries top dog. This being Italy and Inter Milan.
The Red Devils 7 point lead looks more or less insurmountable, and United untouchable - so imagine how the Italians feel about Serie A leader Inter Milan and their 9 point lead. Jose Mourinho's boys have recorded a recent victory over city rivals AC Milan, a game in which the Special One kept up his record of using all 3 allocated substitutes in every game of his Inter reign.
The Nerazzuri look set to start with the "brilliant" (his words not mine - I'd have said "masterful") Zlatan Ibrahimovic and L'Imperatore ("The Emperor") Adriano up front. Nicknames aside, Adriano has had a tough few years. He has been criticised for his weight by many a football critic, accused of having a poor work ethic by many a "team-mate" and chastised heavily for his rock-star lifestyle. A falling out with former coach Roberto Mancini saw the Brazilian dropped and sent to Sao Paolo on a loan deal where he eventually regained his form and confidence. Mancini was then replaced by Jose Mourinho who stated he had no qualms with playing Adriano - if he was one of the best two strikers in the squad. Adriano will have a rare opportunity to prove himself as one of the biggest names in world football once again in this game.
Inter will probably be without center-backs Walter Samuel and Marco Materazzi. The squad's impressive depth however means top talent Christian Chivu and pace merchant Ivan Cordoba will hold the back two positions. "The Icon" Maicon and impressive young talent Davide Santon will likely marshal the flanks in their full-back roles. The Italian champions have an impressive array of quality to choose from in their usual tough-to-break-down midfield. Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari and Stankovic are the obvious choices to form a rock solid diamond behind the powerful strike force. Inter Milan were wholly unimpressive in the group stages - their 8 points knocking Werder Bremen out of the cup by just one point.Away from home, Inter scored 6 and conceded 5 in three games. At home, they scored 2 and conceded 2. Hardly impressive figures and possibly an indication that Inter Milan will look for the 1-0 home win.
Manchester United have vowed to go for the win in this game - and why not. The champions (of England, Europe and indeed the World) have had a sensational run of late seeing them all but secure another Premier League title. This will now allow Sir Alex Ferguson to focus on a trophy he has been infatuated with since 26th May 1999 (think about it).
United's reported defensive crisis has recently worsened - Vidic, Neville, Evans, Brown and Rafael all out of this game. John O'Shea may have a key part to play at cenere-back - should the utility man be passed fit to play (currently doubtful). Evra will start at left-back with Fabio da Silva being pushed for a right-back start. Darren Fletcher is the only other full-back option with Owen Hargreaves still on the sidelines. The increasingly impressive midfield partnership of Carrick and Scholes should be given the nod with Ronaldo on the wing. I just wonder if Ji-Sung Park may be given the nod ahead of Nani or Giggs on account of the Korean's energetic nature and tracking back skills - helping out young Fabio on the right. This will restrict Cristiano Ronaldo to his (marginally) weaker left hand side - setting up an intriguing Ronaldo vs Maicon battle. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Portugese and the Korean switch flanks to cause havoc with 18 year old Davide Santon. Wayne Rooney should be started and I will be interested to see if Ferguson benches the often lax Berbatov in favour of Carlos Tevez (who is better equipped to deal with pacey center-back Ivan Cordoba).
Many people describe Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson as the two best managers in the world. Every Manchester United fan remembers the anger they felt to the then obscure Portugese manager as he sprinted down the touchline after Costinha slotted home Tim Howard's sloppy parried save knocking United out of the Champions League almost exactly 5 years ago. There are more mini-battles to this game than meet the eye. Fergie vs Jose, Carrick vs Cambiasso and Rooney vs Ibrahimovic to name but a few. Both sides have sublime strengths and recently-enforced weaknesses, though at the same time, both sides have such contrasting styles of play.
The pundits will tell you sides must win their home tie in a knockout competition. I'm telling you Inter Milan just need to try not to lose it. If United get the balance right they will overwhelm Inter with their retention of the ball, their stretching of the play and their relentless bombardment of Julio Cesar's goal. My warning to Mourinho is Manchester United cannot get knocked out today but they can all but get through.
Inter will try not to get blown out of the water and will want to keep this game as low key as possible. The odd goal either way may settle it.
Prediction
Inter Milan 0 : 1 Manchester United
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