Manchester United vs Barcelona European Champions League Final 2010/2011 Preview & Prediction

‘Dream team’ Barca and Man Utd battle Champions league final out at Wembley, May 28th. Majestic match awaits fans with the two global powerhouses chasing domestic and european glory

As the European season comes to a close, we have observed some of the greatest matches and goals the Champions League has ever witnessed. Messi’s Maradona-esque brilliance versus Real Madrid in the 1st leg; Dejan Stankovic’s volley from a full 50 years out in the opening minutes at the San Sirio; Machester United’s rampant counter-attacking display in the semi final 2nd leg, are just to name a few. Now the end is near, two of the greatest clubs to grace the planet will clash for the second time in three years.

Barca

Guardiola has assembled an army of tactically genius players who week-in and week-out put on a classy display for footballing intelligence. The front quartet of Messi, Villa, Pedro and Iniesta are the main instigators of goals and glory. However it is the magician that is otherwise known as Xavi who is pulling the strings in the three-man midfield. The experienced midfielder has played in every big game there is to play in over the course of his extremely successful career so far. If anyone knows how to win a game of this magnitude, its the midfield maestro.

Chipping in with sizable amounts of goals this year are the forward combo of David Villa and Pedro. These two love to attack the flanks at speed and will be a constant thorn in the Manchester back line.

And of course, leading the competition in goals is of course the ‘Messiah’ with 11. Already becoming the first domestic player in Spain to pass the massive goal haul of 50 in one season, the little forward seems completely unplayable this year. Fans claims for claiming the title of ‘World’s best player ever’ is rapidly gaining momentum.

This ‘dream team’ knows how to play football at the highest level on a consistent basis. There hasn’t been a team this year who has out-possessed or even really out payed the Blaugrana over a full 90 minutes. This is a side who keep the ball better than anyone in the history of football, who works harder than any to win it back on the rare occasion they give up possession, and finally and most importantly - a team who knows how to win.

Red Army

Not many would have given Sir Alex Ferguson’s men a chance this year of claiming any silverware looking at the squad they possessed. Cross town rivals Man City, arch rivals Arsenal and Chelsea were expected to claim the silverware this year. However, the emergence of two goal-scorers in Dimitar Berbatov and Mexican International Javier ‘Chicarito’ Hernandez have provided the red side of Manchester with gritty and determined 3 points week after week. The big four plus Spurs have all dropped points where they weren’t expected to but Ferguson’s men keep picking up more than the chasing pack. The rotation system employed for much of the year has ensured a fresh midfield each match with the aim of dominating the lions share of possession both home and away. United have played some attractive football this year, but the theme has been grinding out wins where others would lose points. Getting the job done is the name of the game.

Midfielder’s Antonio Valencia and Anderson played out of their socks in their mid-week rampant victory over Schalke. Both displayed eagerness in getting forward and beating their men with the Brazilian bagging a tidy brace. The Colombian’s return couldn’t have come at a better time particularly with Nani’s recent dip in form. Not only Nani, but Scholes as well have been off-form in recent weeks and are considered unlikely to start in London on the 28th.

Rooney appears to hitting form playing like his old self at the beginning of 09/10 season. The workhorse along with Chicarito’s and Berba’s 20+ goals each this season will be greatly needed against the tight Barca defence.

Barcelona’s line-up barring any unusual circumstance will be unchanged along with the unmistakeable style of possession and tactics. The Scot’s men will be slightly more mysterious with changes likely to be made.

Barcelona legend Ronald Koeman has indicated that Pep’s side are better than his ‘dream team’ of the 90’s. He was part of an historic era who won four consecutive Primera Division Championships and a European Cup between ‘91 and ’94. Johan Cruyff believes both sides have the ability to win it.

Did you know?

Manchester United are undefeated in Europe this season

Both teams remain eligible for the double

The red army and Blaugrana are both seeking their four European title

Each won their first at the old Wembley Stadium

Who will become king’s of Europe for 2010/2011 season?

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol; Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets; Pedro, Messi, Villa

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):Van der Sar; Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Anderson; Valencia, Park, Rooney; Hernandez