Good morning, Ahead the Chelsea game, it's vital that we play with exactly the same level of pressure and intensity as we did in the first leg. We've been stung many times over recent years by Chelsea's fitness and physical style, we must be aware of that even though they aren't in the best of form. I see many people believe that Nani will start. In theory, yes he should. But why tinker with a formation and selection that neutralized and outplayed Chelsea for the majority of the first leg? If Nani starts, then surely either Valencia or Park will be dropped. I also cannot see either missing out unless Park plays in a middle three with just one up front. Chelsea will line up 4-4-2 without a doubt. They've got to come out and find a goal so it's likely Fergie will match them up with Rooney and Hernandez up front again. I feel confident but wary at the same time. This is a fantastic chance to reach yet another semi-fnial and I'm just hoping we don't blow it.
Interesting assumption - I wouldn't expect them to go 442 based on how badly it failed in the first match. I think they may line up 433 to try and use an extra man in the centre to neutralise Rooney's influence over the middle of the park. Probably Essien, Ramires and Lampard in the centre, with Malouda and Anelka supporting Drogba / Torres in the centre. Either way, I think we'll start with a 442 and then look to switch to a 451 to kill the game off if we get a two goal aggregate cushion.
I agree with Swarbs I think they will play 433 but don't see them winning either way, the away goal is a big advantage.
"Either way, I think we'll start with a 442 and then look to switch to a 451 to kill the game off if we get a two goal aggregate cushion. " Ah the Man UTD way, gotta love em. Bobby Charlton would be turning in his grave. regards DM
Malouda, Anelka and Yossi are all available to partner Drogba and Torres upfront. It will be a hard decision for Carlo to make if he goes for 4-4-3.
Hardly a 'big' advantage. That one away goal can be wiped out in an instance. However I 100% believe you will progress. I have a feeling you will win 2-0 or 2-1 tonight (i.e 3-0 3-1 overall). It will be a tight opening but if you score first I think our heads may drop. If we score first then it is very much game on though... I think we will play 4-3-3. For me, in a game like this considering our form and the quality of opposition, you have to stick to what you know so you can play on instinct more. 4-3-3 is a system we know well and are comfortable with. I think he will play malouda, drogba, anelka accross the top with benayoun and torres to come on for the last 30 if we still need a goal (or goals!!). This game for me is too big to play Torres when he is so short of confidence. Vidic and Rio will bully him and he can't be relied on to take any chances that do come. Play him every other game this season but Drogba has to start tonight.
Exactly how I feel I agree about the 4-4-2 as well, and I think that Giggsy will play. Fergie seems to like picking him vs Chelsea (and it worked last week). I think we'll go through though. Statistically it's rare for the team that gets beat in the first leg to come back and win the tie overall. Especially when the home side gets beat in the first match. I believe Inter's win over Bayern in the last round - where they went into the away leg behind - was the first time it's happened for years.
It'll be very difficult and an uphill battle for them to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. But, yet again Frank refuses to accept that Manchester United are poised deliver another crushing blow to his European ambitions.
Hull Fan Hi, just wanted to say i think you will be fine tonight with easy 2-0 win. Also, we have James chester, Cameron Stewart and have Corry Evans just wanted to know if you ever saw them play and was they any good?
Cheers mate. I've not seen much 3 players you mentioned, but I believe Evans in particular is a very decent young player
Likewise - heard good things about Corry Evans, but not heard much about the others. United young players tend to be solid and do well for other clubs even if they don't make it here, so hopefully they'll do the business for the Tigers
