Man United Champions League Semi Preview 28 April, 2009

Well it doesn’t get much bigger than this game. A Champions League Semi Final at Old Trafford versus the holders – a Premiership rival regarded as one of the best, with a place in the biggest game in football at stake. Don’t want to make it sound daunting or anything…

This is going to be a great semi final – so much passion, so much to play for and of course a massive rivalry. The loser of this tie is going to be absolutely gutted and I’m sure that the one that progresses to Rome won’t let the other team forget about it.

The first leg is at their place and Arsene Wenger says, “At this level you have to be audacious away.” He says that an away goal is so, so valuable in this competition – so we have to try and attack. Ade fancies himself for a goal but if anyone can score it will be brilliant to take back to the Grove. I believe we can get at least one, it’s not going to be easy but I think we’ll get something there.

We’re without a few players in attack though. Obviously no Arshavin but also no van Persie and Eduardo still isn’t 100%; he’s been on the bench a few times recently but he’s still not quite ready. I think if we need him we will use him but there’s a risk he might pick up an injury as he has after every comeback game he’s made this season. Adebayor will start and we have options of Cesc, Nasri, Walcott or Diaby to play off him.

We have a few problems in defense too. Silvestre and Gibbs face late fitness tests but I think the latter will make it by the sounds of things. Silvestre was withdrawn at half time against ‘Boro so it looks like Djourou will take his place, but that’s what I would’ve done anyway fit or not. I don’t exactly fancy Silvestre against his old club. I do think Kieran Gibbs is up to it though and so does Kolo Toure. He’s done really well in Clichy’s absence and it says a lot that I’m not worried about him playing. If for some reason he doesn’t pass that fitness test then Eboue will come in on the right with Sagna playing left back.

There’s a number of options for tomorrow night but here’s how I think/hope we’ll line up:

Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Djourou – Gibbs
Song – Fabregas (c)
Walcott    -    Nasri    –    Diaby
Adebayor

I think Fabregas, Walcott, Nasri and Diaby can all alternate playing the attacking role, which will keep United on their toes. Cesc will stay central whatever happens and he will be helping defensive midfield depending how things are going. Wenger has been playing him forward quite a few times but I must say that I prefer him a bit further back dictating play, however his two goals on Sunday might sway Arsene’s decision. As I said, I do expect those four to rotate all night giving us a number of options at different points in the game.

It goes without saying that we need to be at our very best all over the pitch. At the back I’m sure Almunia will have saves to make, Toure and Djourou will have Rooney to deal with and Gibbs faces his toughest challenge yet to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet. We need Fabregas to have a big game in the middle and I believe if he plays well we have a big chance of getting a good result. Walcott has been really dangerous recently and I’m hoping he does it again at Old Trafford, they will do their best to stop him but once he’s away there’s no catching him.

I just can’t wait for this game to start now. I want the talking to be over. Chelsea drew 0-0 with Barca so it’s all set up perfectly for the final in Rome. I can’t take any more preview, I’m too nervous/excited already! I’m off then, C’MON YOU GUNNERS. Thanks for reading.