[Drew9]

Originally Posted by scott 4 evra

I was going to create a similar thread. you can see a clear difference when giggs plays and doesn't play. like 1st half v blackburn and 2nd half v Blackburn.

However, I really can't see how Fergie can play him after recent performances. Hopefully, we'll play the same team as Roma away. Park can be effective offensively and defensively and should definitely play imo.

i agree and then we could bring tevez and nani on to run at them later on in the game

[scott 4 evra]

We have heard all about how big a danger Messi will be on Wednesday night. However, he has just returned from injury and I fancy Evra to restrict him some what.

However, Etoo can be a bit inconsistent but when he is on form there is no one better in his position. He has fantastic pace, a terrific strike and is just lethal. Plus, with Vidic returning from injury, him and Rio looked slightly vulnerable on Saturday.
I think they both need a huge game to contain Etoo and let's not forget Henry. It would be typical of him to raise his game against us.

Obviously, there are so much talent on display but I have feeling that Etoo will be their biggest threat. Any thoughts?

[Drew9]

big danger

[BALROG]

We should do just fine against barca, they clog the mid field and try to bring their numbers at top of box. When they start slipping up, we are way to quick for them and should counter easily down flanks . the mid players harg & anderson will chop them down . We can beat them passing on counter or over top at angles. We should win by one goal?

[manutdforever]

This is the team I think we will go for:

VDS

Brown
Ferdinand
Vidic
Evra

Hargreaves
Anderson
Scholes


Ronaldo
Rooney
Park


Subs: Kuszczak Anderson, Carrick, Nani, O'Shea, Tevez, Giggs.

[Grif SA]

If Barcelona play their 4-3-3, I think it would play into our favor. In the previous European matches, we played a 4-5-1 to counter other teams 4-4-2. We did this to control the midfield. So if Barcelona play with 3 across the middle, we should do fine controlling the midfield with 4. And those 4 should be Ronaldo, Anderson, Hargreaves, and Park. This is where Hargreaves will prove his worth. Last year, we didn't have anybody to contain Kaka, but this year, we will have Hargreaves there. If Hargreaves can keep Iniesta off the ball, then they won't be able to feed Messi, Eto'o, and Henry. Him and Anderson can be a great combination in midfield with their work, plus Anderson will help going forward. We have to let Anderson play as a #10, let him be an attacking midfielder like he was born to be. With Hargreaves behind him, Anderson could be allowed more freedom. And I say Park, because if we are to control the midfield, we will need his ability to keep running. Keep hassling people, and keep working. Plus, with him on the left, he can help Evra contain Messi if need be, something Giggs might not be able to do. And of course, playing a 4-4-2 allows Tevez to partner Rooney up front. And as we all know, Rooney does better when somebody is up there with him. Honestly, I can see this going in any direction. We can win it, we can draw, and we can lose. If we do what we're capable of though, we can win, which will be a big boost.

[dckyfoxes]

Originally Posted by Grif SA

If Barcelona play their 4-3-3, I think it would play into our favor. In the previous European matches, we played a 4-5-1 to counter other teams 4-4-2. We did this to control the midfield. So if Barcelona play with 3 across the middle, we should do fine controlling the midfield with 4. And those 4 should be Ronaldo, Anderson, Hargreaves, and Park. This is where Hargreaves will prove his worth. Last year, we didn't have anybody to contain Kaka, but this year, we will have Hargreaves there. If Hargreaves can keep Iniesta off the ball, then they won't be able to feed Messi, Eto'o, and Henry. Him and Anderson can be a great combination in midfield with their work, plus Anderson will help going forward. We have to let Anderson play as a #10, let him be an attacking midfielder like he was born to be. With Hargreaves behind him, Anderson could be allowed more freedom. And I say Park, because if we are to control the midfield, we will need his ability to keep running. Keep hassling people, and keep working. Plus, with him on the left, he can help Evra contain Messi if need be, something Giggs might not be able to do. And of course, playing a 4-4-2 allows Tevez to partner Rooney up front. And as we all know, Rooney does better when somebody is up there with him. Honestly, I can see this going in any direction. We can win it, we can draw, and we can lose. If we do what we're capable of though, we can win, which will be a big boost.

Great breakdown on Barcelona... Whoever controls the midfield will dorminate the game for sure... But we do have our disadvantages as well on 4-3-3... You see the back 4 will be Brown as RB since you have left Hargreaves as DMC... Rio avd Vidic CD and Evra LB... The lack of pace by Brown will cause us alot of problems if Barce will to counter. This is crucial cause whoever drew first blood would cause alot of loop holes at the back...

The most important factor I see in this game is pace... We need pacy defenders to counter their pacy strikers... The best defence is the best offence especially when we are playing away...

[versa]

Originally Posted by Drew9

is anyone worried that sir alex might just go with the sentimental value of playing ryan giggs in the nou camp on wednesday night ? because i am, i believe if he plays we wont win and heres why

please fergie dont play him what do you guys think ?

I am worried sick like you probably are.

Like it or not, Giggs is NOW slow, not penetrative and gives away the ball too easily, especially that vital final delivery that could have otherwise presented a goal scoring opportunity. Play him against the mighty Barcelona? Don't breathe a word about it please; you are scaring me....

P.S. Now, Barcelona may not be all-conquering in their own league or in red hot form at the moment but come European nights, it is an entirely different ball game. Just think Liverpool.

[Grif SA]

Originally Posted by dckyfoxes

Great breakdown on Barcelona... Whoever controls the midfield will dorminate the game for sure... But we do have our disadvantages as well on 4-3-3... You see the back 4 will be Brown as RB since you have left Hargreaves as DMC... Rio avd Vidic CD and Evra LB... The lack of pace by Brown will cause us alot of problems if Barce will to counter. This is crucial cause whoever drew first blood would cause alot of loop holes at the back...

The most important factor I see in this game is pace... We need pacy defenders to counter their pacy strikers... The best defence is the best offence especially when we are playing away...

I personally think it depends who Barcelona play on their left. Eto'o in the middle and Messi on the right are nearly guaranteed. If that's the case, that leaves Krkic and Henry on the left. I personally think they'll use Henry. While Henry is still good and a genuine threat, I have to wonder if he still has the pace. If he doesn't I think Brown will be fine. We all know Brown doesn't get forward as much as Neville did, so he shouldn't be caught out of position against whoever Barcelona decide to play on their left. Personally, I'm afraid of Messi and Eto'o on the counter attack. Obviously they're quick. However, if I were Barcelona, I'd be more afraid of us on the counter. When Roovez works, they're brilliant. And I don't need to say a thing about Ronaldo. Puyol is out, plus Abidal doesn't want to play, which means Sylvinho, who is 34, is their left back. Plus I believe that Marquez and Milito will be their centre backs, which hopefully we can take advantage of. Either way, their defense isn't looking good right now with Puyol and Abidal's absences. Also, that's why I want Hargreaves in the CDM area. He can potentially stop their counter attack before it begins. Plus no matter who they play the counter through, he can be there to help Evra and Park if it's Messi, if it's Eto'o, he can help Vidic and Ferdinand, if they need it, and if Brown needs it, he can help with Henry. Not to mention what Rooney might do..

Overall, their defense isn't looking as good as ours is, which in theory gives us the advantage. Despite my wants to use a 4-4-2, I think we'll use a 4-5-1. Which might not be a bad thing, if we have enough players in the middle to allow Ronaldo to roam up front with Rooney or Tevez...

[carlyluvsunited]

"Can Manchester United score ...

They always score ... !

Beckham with the corner ...

In towards Sherringham ...

AND SOLSKJAER HAS WON IT !!!!

We can all pick and choose the
players ...

We all have opinions on what the
team should/shouldn't be ...

Despite that, Fergie then chooses
who he wants to play ...

I like it that way, he has won it all
for us ...

So I wont waste time on that.

This match hinges on United scoring
in Barcelona !!!

Can Manchester United score ... ?

They always score ... !

And that's not far wrong as it happens.

12/08/07 'v' Reading
19/08/07 'v' Man City
28/09/07 'v' Coventry
24/11/07 'v' Bolton
08/03/07 'v' Portsmouth

There you go ... the games we DIDN'T
score in !!

And we played 59 games to date !!

The chances are we WILL score in
Barcelona !!

We have the BEST defence in the
Premier League by quite some margin !!

So chances are we WILL NOT concede
a silly amount !!

I like our chances - I don't feel worried,
more excited in anticipation of who we
will play in the final ...