Champions League Thread (the dawn of time - 2014)
- Thread starter Kev
- Start date
Nah, I'd be very surprised if Nani didn't start. Even though Valencia's been great since he came back, I think Park will start on the left wing and Nani on the right.
The left back area is probably the weakest part of Barca's team so no doubt SAF will look to attack that and I think Nani will get the nod because he provides a better cutting edge going forward on that right side.
The biggest decision will be whether Fergie goes for Hernandez up top or benches him for another central midfielder.
The left back area is probably the weakest part of Barca's team so no doubt SAF will look to attack that and I think Nani will get the nod because he provides a better cutting edge going forward on that right side.
The biggest decision will be whether Fergie goes for Hernandez up top or benches him for another central midfielder.
I actually don't think Nani will start against Barcelona. Park and Valencia are better options as they are more discipline and provide better solidity on the flanks. On the other hand, Nani sometimes tend to lose the ball a little bit too easily when he tries to do too much with the ball and that is not something you want against a team like Barcelona.
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I doubt that if Abidal starts at left back. On the opposite side, Alves is a little bit of a suspect to the odd error IMO.
Anyway, I just read this article and there are one or two things to probably take note.
Why picking on Piqu? could be the key to beating Barcelona | Paul Hayward | Guardian
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I doubt that if Abidal starts at left back. On the opposite side, Alves is a little bit of a suspect to the odd error IMO.
Anyway, I just read this article and there are one or two things to probably take note.
Why picking on Piqu? could be the key to beating Barcelona | Paul Hayward | Guardian
It's not like Nani doesn't put in his fair share of defensive work but Park and Valencia are just more hard-working and better at tracking back than him.
But relatively speaking the left back area is still weak compared to the rest of their team. Abidal is nothing fancy going forward and if Maxwell or Adriano get the nod, I'd fancy Nani to tear them a new one, just like how Walcott caused Maxwell plenty of problems last year.
People forget - probably because of the return from injury of Valencia and the rotation of him and Nani, just how fantastic he was earlier in the season, single-handedly winning us games and averaging an assist or goal per game for the first half of the season.
Both of them might play if Fergie opts to use Park in a central role. Who knows?
But relatively speaking the left back area is still weak compared to the rest of their team. Abidal is nothing fancy going forward and if Maxwell or Adriano get the nod, I'd fancy Nani to tear them a new one, just like how Walcott caused Maxwell plenty of problems last year.
People forget - probably because of the return from injury of Valencia and the rotation of him and Nani, just how fantastic he was earlier in the season, single-handedly winning us games and averaging an assist or goal per game for the first half of the season.
Both of them might play if Fergie opts to use Park in a central role. Who knows?
That is the reason why I would choose Park and Valencia over Nani.
True. He is still a dangerous player but he has gone off the boil a little bit recently IMO.
MasterBlaster76
ICC Chairman
I wouldn't start Nani - he'd make a great impact sub later on. What about up front though - Rooney/Hernandez or Rooney/Berbatov?
I would definitely go with Rooney/Hernandez. Barca's center backs are vulnerable against pacey forwards and Hernandez will certainly be a big threat to them with his pace. Furthermore, Berbatov tends to go missing in big games anyway.
Having said that, there might be a possibility that SAF will play just Rooney upfront alone and flood the midfield to combat Barcelona's.
BKB1991
Panel of Selectors
Hernandez should definetly be ahead of Berbatov. I think the smartest move would be to play Rooney as more of a midfielder than his usual role behind the striker. Should act as a third CM as well as one who can go attack
Why should we leave Nani when its too late? I would want him to start up, you dont want him to come when we are a goal down.
Why should we leave Nani when its too late? I would want him to start up, you dont want him to come when we are a goal down.
Hmmm...after that performance against Chelsea, I'm having second thoughts.
Fergie could well start with Valencia on the right and Rooney off Hernandez. I was thinking he might drop Hernandez for another CM but it looks unlikely now.
Fergie could well start with Valencia on the right and Rooney off Hernandez. I was thinking he might drop Hernandez for another CM but it looks unlikely now.
BKB1991
Panel of Selectors
Yea that looks like the probably ploy. To bring in Park ahead of Nani will also insure an extra man helping out defensively, but the question is who should the two CM be?
It'll be Valencia ahead of Nani, Park's a certain starter on the left.
I think it'll be Carrick and Giggs in central midfield. If Fergie decides to put three in the middle, I think Fletcher will play alongside them.
I think it'll be Carrick and Giggs in central midfield. If Fergie decides to put three in the middle, I think Fletcher will play alongside them.
I think SAF should probably play 3 in midfield because if he only plays 2, United's midfield is bound to be outnumbered as Messi - playing the 'False 9' role - will surely drop back to midfield, thus creating a 3 v 2 disadvantage for United.
MasterBlaster76
ICC Chairman
Barca players are saying we're a stronger team now than when we had Ronaldo. Mind games, do they really mean it? They said we're less direct, keep the ball better and are less predictable.
Fergie said that the key is concentration - and I agree with him. In the two games vs Barcelona in the CL semi final a few years back, our concentration was top notch and that's what got us through.
Fergie said that the key is concentration - and I agree with him. In the two games vs Barcelona in the CL semi final a few years back, our concentration was top notch and that's what got us through.
Nah, Barca don't really do mind games. They're right in that as a team unit, we're probably better equipped in terms of balance to hurt them this time round, rather than generally attempting to rely on an out-of-position Ronaldo to hurt them last time round.
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