Champions League Preview

Fabregas

Being a self confessed Arsenal fan I would be interested in the team Wenger puts out come Wednesday evening at Old Trafford. Coincidentally, Ferguson was present at the Emirates when Arsenal dismantled Boro. Going by that & the fact that Wenger is his oldest adversary, the United gaffer shouldn’t be outfoxed by the Professor. Saying that Arsenal have a habit of performing well against the top sides this season. The area that will bother most Arsenal fans & Wenger himself would be the defense.

Gallas has been deeply missed, as there is no player of his experience and quality to cover that backline. Silvestre & Djorou look far from convincing. When compared to the United backline they look like a bunch of freshers who have been bullied by their seniors. The most pressing issue would be how to stop United from exploiting that left flank. Ronaldo & Evra have great understanding down that flank with the former having a tendency to drift to the middle of the park taking his marker out of position and creating space for the left back to bomb forward.

On this very occasion it would be tempting for Fergie to play Ronaldo down the right considering Gibbs’s lack of experience & defensive frailties. This factor could play on Wenger’s mind and he just might be tempted to play Diaby down that flank to nullify Ronaldo. This seems all the more likely with the injury to Van Persie reducing the options up front for the Gunners. Wenger in all probability will play a 4-5-1 formation with Adebayor starting up front with Cesc or Nasri playing just playing behind him. Walcott and Song will complete that midfiled.

United look a strong outfit capable of taking this year’s trophy. Only conundrum for Ferguson is whether to start Tevez or Berbatov up front with Rooney. Personally Tevez looks more of an impact player who could come off the bench and run that Arsenal back line ragged. Scholes and Carrick also look to be in fine form with Fletcher also in with a shout on starting in that midfield quartet. Going by recent form and instinct, United should breeze past the Gunners. The Londoners do have a habit of pulling off upsets, especially against United, but seems highly unlikely against the might of the Red Devils.

Barca FC The Chelsea Barca fixture looks even more finely poised. Both teams more than capable of reaching the finals of Europe’s premier club competition.

In Guus Hiddink we see a shrewd, wise and highly experienced manager capable of out foxing any big side with his team tactics.

Pep Guardiola on the other hand is fairly new to this position, but has done extremely well for his first year in charge. The question on everyone’s mind would be HOW DO YOU STOP Messi, Eto, Henry, Xavi & Iniesta? That’s virtually the entire Barca midfield.

The contentious issue on Guardiola’s mind would be whether to start Henry or Iniesta OR for that matter both. The Spanish lad is in scintillating form with Henry also rediscovering his goal scoring touch. Considering Henry’s experience playing in the EPL he should be an automatic starter.

Chelsea also have some pressing issues in defense with Ashley Cole suspended. Its probably the most important position for them considering Messi plays on that flank. The supply line to the front three has to be choked. Knowing Hiddink he’ll go for the kill. The only way to halt Braca’s attack would be to have one strong holding midfielder and hit them where it hurts most, which is their defense.

One thing that would not make for good entertainment would be an all-English final again!