CL SF L2: Manchester United v FC Barcelona

Henry To Start At Old Trafford

Source: Goal.com



Frenchman Thierry Henry will be named in the starting eleven line-up for FC Barcelona when they take on Manchester United in the second leg of the Uefa Champions League semi-final tie next week at Old Trafford with the remit to netting a crucial away goal.

The French forward started on the bench against the Red Devils in midweek, but Frank Rijkaard wants to use his experience to help the Blaugrana in their most important game of the season.

During his seven years at Arsenal, Henry played against United on eleven occasions and scored twice at the stadium where he will be asked to make it lucky number three next Tuesday.

It is a golden chance for the 30-year-old to put an inconsistent first season behind him and make his name at the Catalan outfit and Rijkaard is reportedly banking on him.

Henry has shown that he can be the matchwinner before in high profile encounter as he snatched the only goal when Arsenal won in the Bernabéu against Real Madrid three seasons ago.

He also netted a superb effort for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey this term against Sevilla in the Sánchez Pizjuán after being given a through ball that he used to thrive on in England.

The reappearance of Henry, who almost missed the first leg with a fever, will see either Xavi or Andrés Iniesta start as a substitute and it is believed that Xavi is the favourite to miss out.

At the back Carles Puyol will return to partner Gaby Milito after Rafa Márquez picked up a booking that rules him out through suspension.

Frank's United gamble

Source: The Sun

BARCELONA boss Frank Rijkaard has given up on La Liga in a desperate bid to dump Manchester United out of Europe.

The Catalan giants have left almost their ENTIRE first team at home as they travelled to La Coruna for tomorrow's game against Deportivo.

Barcelona could end up having to play a Champions League qualifier in the summer but Rijkaard couldn't care less – all that matters is beating United.

The Dutchman has left stars Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Gabi Milito at home.

Bizarrely, with tongue firmly in cheek, Rijkaard claimed his decision to play a second-string side at Deportivo had nothing to do with the Champions League semi-final against United.

Instead, he insisted that his players needed a rest.

Rijkaard added: “It's not true. It's nothing to do with our position in the table.

"Before thinking about the result, I always think about the health of my players.

“When Eto'o need a moment of rest or Xavi tells me he's tired you have to evaluate what might happen because they are players who've played a lot of games this season.

“People think Messi can play 90 minutes but unfortunately it's not true. We must take care of him and protect him.

"It's not that I leave him out but the player needs it to avoid bigger problems.â€

Barca's title hopes are almost dead as they lie 11 points behind leaders Real Madrid, who could be crowned champions on Sunday if they win and their closest rivals fail to get three points.

From the galaxy of stars in Barca's squad, only Deco and Thierry Henry will be available to Rijkaard at the Riazor.

Barca have to win to keep their hopes of clinching second spot in La Liga alive.

Villarreal are a point ahead in second place and could increase the gap tomorrow night with just four left to play.

Yet, Rijkaard's eyes and those of millions of Catalans are fixed on United.

He added: “We played well against United.

"Although 0-0 is not the best result w're now confident of finishing the job over there.â€

akash_reds said:

dunno if henry coming back good news or bad news....he definitely doesnt like united from his days at arse....he plays well against us....but it is also fact that he doesnt enjoy playing at barca and he is not in best form..but he can always reproduce form aganist united.....but pray he doesnt!!!

Click to expand...

Its very bad news imo. he is such a threat and very unpredictable.....
and he is still world class despite what people say. Dos Santos and Bojan are
far weaker players than Henry and I was delighted when Bojan came on
ahead of Henry.

As for the article Versa posted, it just annoys me. Why couldnt Barca be higher
up the league They get to rest their entire team and we get to
go to Stamford Bridge, which will be a gruelling, testing match of the highest order.

Anyway by tuesday night, I really hope Ill be celebrating a place in the European
Cup final and being the Premiership Champions.. CMON UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!