Quote:
Originally Posted by Grunge
There's been plenty of speculation about the lineup for Moscow although most debate seems to be about who will sit out but starting line-ups aside, how will Fergie send the team out?
To play like we typically do in the Premiership? Hell for leather early on, chasing anything and everything that moves, forcing mistakes, latching onto the errors and powering forward as soon as we get possesion and creating chance after chance until we score?
or
What we've come to expect to see from him in the Champions League fixtures where we play a more cagey, tight defensive game; drawing the opposition in, so we can score on the counter and cause them to open up even more space in behind?
IMO the game at the Bridge was nothing like what Chulski will see in Moscow. Yes, we went there to win if possible, but we also went there like a poker player not wanting to show the full hand until the "river card" card is laid down and final bets are placed. We deserved a point but Fergie's rant about the penalty that shouldn't have been given was definitely part of his usual kid-ology.
Beware the master tactician Avram ... you'll be on your knees again in Russia, but this time in awe of the Red Devils. Champions of Europe! (again)  |
There is a definite difference in style when United play in domestic matches and when we play in Europe. The fact that we play an English team could alter this pattern slightly.
I agree that the SB performance will not be repeated, but the line up that day was designed to play for a draw and we failed to get the result. We will have our first choice team out there this time and that in itself will give us a more positive, attacking outlook.
Don't forget, there were some vital parts of our team missing against Chelsea in the 2-1 league defeat. We had to have a defensive re shuffle to cope with Vidic going off injured early. Scholes, who is the lynchpin of our midfield, was out of the squad being rested. Then of course we had Ronaldo missing and a half fit Rooney up front. All being well and good, and according to Fergie it will be, we will be arriving in Moscow in much better nick.
I have a sneaky suspicion Fergie will go for it. I reckon we will play 4-2-3-1:
---------VDS--------
Brown-Rio--Vidic-Evra
--Carrick---Scholes--
Ronaldo--Tevez--Park
--------Rooney------
Tevez and Park were integral to our success against Barca. Their selection would aid our attacking play, but their infectious enthusiasm would be vital in a game of such importance. Carrick and Scholes at the base of the midfield, dictating things. I think that has yet again established itself as the number one pairing. Should that be the case, it really will make a mockery of the signing of Hargreaves.
If SAF is in a conservative mood, then take Tevez and swap with Fletcher or Anderson. I have a sneaky feeling Fletcher might make the cut.