23/04/2008 - UEFA Champions League

Barcelona vs Man Utd,
Nou Camp, 19.45

Barcelona are a formidable force. A quick run down of their team sheet unveils a huge collection of footballing superstars such as Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Xavi and Iniesta. Though strong on paper, Barcelona have looked weak in recent weeks out on the pitch. A recent draw at Espanyol was made worse by earlier failures against the likes of Recreativo, Getafe and Real Betis. 3 points from their last 4 games means Barca fans are having to come to terms with the fact that they will be without the League title again this year. This being said, the Nou Camp has been something of a fortress for the Catalan giants - with just one loss in the last 14 games there. Barcelona's League form may suggest that they are easy targets, but the wounded tiger is sure to roar back into action sooner or later.
Manchester United have been fairly formidable at home themselves. On the road however, they have slumped to no wins in their last two games. Watching Chelsea's dramatic late equaliser may drive United forward to setting up an all English final, and a showdown for supremacy.
Good news for Barcelona fans, Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi are both fit to play. Captain Carles Puyol however, is suspended. Also the much talked about Ronaldinho will sit this one out through injury. Rafael Marquez looks set to make a start in a straight swap for Puyol.
Manchester United have one major doubt ahead of the match - Nemanja Vidic's problems list is growing, and he doesn't seem to be likely to feature in the showdown. Wes Brown had picked up a knock, though is apparently back in training. He is still a slight concern though. Edwin van der Sar comes back in, whilst Owen Hargreaves and Anderson should make the bench at least. Wayne Rooney - as expected, will play.
To me, this looks likely to be won and lost in the midfield. Xavi, Iniesta and Toure will look to boss the game, whilst Ferguson will most likely stick with his favoured 4-5-1 formation, in which Hargreaves, Carrick and Scholes look to dictate play. Another key battle will be on the wing. Messi will probably be fielded on the right flank, leaving Patrice Evra with something to think about. For this reason, it seems to me that Ferguson will opt for Park at left-mid, as Nani's tracking back skills leave a lot to be desired and Ryan Giggs' aging legs may become more of a hinderance to defensive efforts. With Park switching flanks with Cristiano Ronaldo, we may end up seeing a few midfield tussles between Messi and Ronaldo.
Much has been made of Messi vs Ronaldo, and questions have been raised over Ronaldo's effectiveness in big games. I believe Ronaldo has what it takes to dazzle a weakened Barcelona defence in addition to being his usual set-piece dangerous self. He will undoubtedly cause Abidal one or two problems.
If Nemanja Vidic is unable to play, O'Shea should be favoured to Pique - though both may play is Wes Brown is not fully recovered. The defensive problems on the right mean Thierry Henry will look to take charge of the left flank, attempting killer balls to Samuel Eto'o.

You can throw the stats book out the window for this one. There are two excellent teams with excellent players. Each wants to be classed as top-dog. Barca (particularly Rijkaard) need(s) to take some silver-ware home. Whilst Manchester United need to end their European drought. Both teams would put themselves as favourites with a win here.

As stated earlier, I think this will be a midfield tussle. Scholes, Carrick and Hargreaves have a good mix of Champions League experience, attacking flare and defensive determination. Similarly, Yaya Toure, Iniesta and Xavi have all the same qualities. Barcelona should have a slight advantage with the home support, but anything is possible in the UEFA Champions League (Stand Up Riise!).

Prediction

Barcelona 0 : 2 Manchester United