FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United

Kelvin · 20th April 2008, 18:01

Nani > Park

massey · 20th April 2008, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erics_Collar

Now I know we've got a lot of superstitious Simons and sensitive Sallys here at the caf, so Ivetaken every precaution to make this the most foolproof, iron clad match day thread post ever. I dont think youll have a problem with it...

Man U versus Barcalona (Barca are at home, ignore the orders of the pictures)
At: New Camp, Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona's home stadium.
Time: Quarter to Eight, English time. Coverage is probably at 7ish, cos its a big match like.

Oh yea, its a champions league semi final too. Go Man U!!

Class.

Rowem · 20th April 2008, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by REd FUn DevIl

I rather play Nani than Park. Nani crosses are awesome and his long range shoots are incredible too.

I'd rather have a player with the attacking grace of Ronaldo, the vision of Paul Scholes and the defensive strength of Vidic, but life's a bitch.

We will go to the Nou Camp with a plan to stifle them. Nani will not play. If he did then Messi would tear us apart down our left hand side.

Nani > Park, but at the Nou Camp Park > Nani

Bape · 20th April 2008, 20:39

How likely is Deco going to recover in time for weds? I reckon if they are able to start with Deco in the tie, then they'll be stronger. Xavi and Iniesta don't compliment each other at all.

Red Devil 26 · 20th April 2008, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bape

How likely is Deco going to recover in time for weds? I reckon if they are able to start with Deco in the tie, then they'll be stronger. Xavi and Iniesta don't compliment each other at all.

Not at all, with Yaya Toure behind them both, they have a nice balance in midfield.

Iniesta's been brilliant this season, and Xavi makes them tick. Deco's had a poor season.

Scholesy · 20th April 2008, 21:03

On Sky, the commentator on Reals game said that Barca would play a midfield of Toure, Xavi, and Iniesta.

reddevilcanada · 20th April 2008, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scholesy

On Sky, the commentator on Reals game said that Barca would play a midfield of Toure, Xavi, and Iniesta.

that's what they play in all teh big games, especially those in the CL.

Classy Cannon · 20th April 2008, 21:43

--------------------VDS---------------------

Brown----Rio--------Vidic-------------Evra

----Hargreaves----Carrick--Anderson----

Park/Ronnie-------------------------Ronnie/Park

--------------Rooney-------------

Subs:PIG,Pique,O'Shea,Giggs,Scholes,Nani,Tevez

I can't see Wes, Evra & Carrick moving too far forward, so Hargreaves & Anderson will have to get wide when needed. Park should play whatever side Messi is on to help out Wes/Paddy.

I'm going/hoping for a 2-0 win to us.

Tibs · 20th April 2008, 21:58

------------VDS------------
Brown - Rio - Vidic - Evra

Anderson - Carrick - Hargo

Ronaldo - Rooney - Nani

That front line will be switched to

Ronaldo - Tevez - Rooney at the 60 minute mark.

Barcelona 0
Manchester United 12

Longlivekeano · 20th April 2008, 22:42

------------------------Van Der Sar---------------------

--Brown----------Rio-------------Vidic------------Evra--

---------------------Carrick-------------------------

--Hargreaves------Scholes-----Anderson-----------Ronaldo---

---------------------Rooney--------------------------------

Subs: Kuzczak, O Shea, Pique, Nani, Tevez, Giggs, Park
Prediction:1-1. Goal from Vidic.
Hargreaves to start ahead of Anderson, Nani, Giggs since he is more tactically disciplined and lends the defense further cover with his tracking back, esp to counter the threat of Nani down the flanks

a_devil_inside · 20th April 2008, 22:50

I think we'll get a 2-2 draw or win 3-2
Ronaldo and Ferdinand.
Maybe Giggs if he plays, if not then I fancy him to get a goal in any of the remaining games, maybe more than one

Wes · 20th April 2008, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erics_Collar

Now I know we've got a lot of superstitious Simons and sensitive Sallys here at the caf, so Ivetaken every precaution to make this the most foolproof, iron clad match day thread post ever. I dont think youll have a problem with it...

Man U versus Barcalona (Barca are at home, ignore the orders of the pictures)
At: New Camp, Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona's home stadium.
Time: Quarter to Eight, English time. Coverage is probably at 7ish, cos its a big match like.

Oh yea, its a champions league semi final too. Go Man U!!

Nice wan. Hope we win.

Simon Adebesi · 20th April 2008, 23:34

--------------Van der Sar------------

Wes ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra

------ Hargreaves ------- Carrick ----------

Park ---------- Anderson --------- Ronaldo

----------------Rooney -----------------

Sam#1 · 20th April 2008, 23:37

-------------- Van der Sar ------------

Brown ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra

----------------- Carrick -----------------

------ Hargreaves ------- Anderson--------

---Rooney--------Ronaldo--------Tevez----

KeyserSoze · 21st April 2008, 00:05

-------------- Van der Sar ------------

Brown ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra

----------------- Carrick -----------------

--------- Scholes ------- Anderson--------

---Ronaldo--------Rooney--------Nani----

Scholesy · 21st April 2008, 00:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam#1

-------------- Van der Sar ------------

Brown ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra

----------------- Carrick -----------------

------ Hargreaves ------- Anderson--------

---Rooney--------Ronaldo--------Tevez----

Rooney right wing?

kietotheworld · 21st April 2008, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Adebesi

--------------Van der Sar------------

Wes ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra

------ Hargreaves ------- Carrick ----------

Park ---------- Anderson --------- Ronaldo

----------------Rooney -----------------

This is what we'll probably go with.

zain · 21st April 2008, 00:31

I'm just wondering if we can start off with Tevez against Barça?

Maybe play Rooney and Ronnie on the wings with both Giggs and Nani on the bench?!

Other reason I say that is because you just know Rooney has the sort of incredible energy levels to be making those runs down the left AS WELL AS track back and defend.

I'm still confused whether I'd want Scholes to play or not...On 2nd thought I wouldn't mind him playing as the game won't be as fast paced in central midfield as the league games.....

----------------------VDS------------------------
--Brown------Rio-----------Vidic-------Evra------

------Hargreaves--Carrick--Scholes-------------

Ronaldo-------------------------------Rooney-----

--------------------Tevez---------------------------

The above formation may well work I feel. We've got the tracking back of Rooney on the left as well as width to support him with Evra..And we all know Wayne can make those centre forward runs as he does so often
On the right Hargreaves can always help out when going forward down the flank as Carrick sits back.

Would love to see Tevez start..
Plus can always bring on Anderson, Nani, Park to raise the energy levels and add a bit of flair if needed?

Bench: Anderson, Nani, Park, Nani, O'Shea, Neville/Silvestre, Foster

Sam#1 · 21st April 2008, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scholesy

Rooney right wing?

To be honest, you could have any of Ronaldo/Rooney/Tevez in those 3 positions, as none of them will stay there, they will just roam around, wherever they like.

Wes · 21st April 2008, 01:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Park 3I Lung

-------------- Van der Sar ------------

Brown ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra

----------------- Carrick -----------------

--------- Scholes ------- Anderson--------

---Ronaldo--------Rooney--------Nani----

I rate that, but Hargreaves will play I'd say.

We only really need 1 from Hargreaves and Anderson, imo.

Slevin · 21st April 2008, 02:18

Scholes is probably too slow to keep up with Barca's midfield now :/

marcus agrippa · 21st April 2008, 03:53

they are pinning all their hopes on Messi:

Quote:

Hopes pinned on Messi

The message from Spain is clear: only Lionel Messi can save Barcelona from defeat against Manchester United. The front page of the Catalan newspaper Sport declared Barça need "Eleven Messis", a sentiment widely shared. Messi, back from injury, immediately improved Barcelona against Espanyol, Marca insisting: "He did more in his first minute than the rest did in the whole game." Another headline read: "Messi makes us dream, the rest just give us nightmares". Meanwhile, El Mundo Deportivo was fretting over the weather. "The forecast is for a storm over Barcelona. Will someone please wrap Messi up? If he catches a cold, it's time for our last rites."

there are reports that SAF is considering a man-marking job on Messi. probably Hargreaves will be given the task.

reddevilcanada · 21st April 2008, 03:59

we'll definitely need one of Anderson or Hargreaves doubling up with Evra when Messi gets the ball, can't afford to give him any room for his runs. The more isolated he gets, the safer we are.

reddevilcanada · 21st April 2008, 05:43

Messi: I'm Ready For United

Barcelona phenomenon Lionel Messi has emphasised his confidence ahead of their Champions League semi-final showdown against Manchester United...

Barcelona have been in dreadful league form, while conversely the Red Devils look like running away with their second successive Premier League title, but in Europe, the two teams match up fairly evenly - both in terms of their history and in this current campaign.

This clash is being billed as what would have been a dream final; many are tipping the winner of this semi-final to go on and win the competition. It will be a chaotic contest between arguably the two best sides in the world on paper; two teams that play at a breathtaking pace and boast some of the world's best talents.

One of these is Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Just 20 years of age, the Argentine forward bears a frightening footballing resemblance to the great Diego Maradona. His dribbling ability is second to none and the explosive impact he can have on a game at any single moment is an asset that Barça became somewhat reliant on since the decline of Ronaldinho.

That became their own undoing when the youngster limped off in their second round clash against Celtic in tears after picking up an injury. Still in his youth, his body does not appear to have fully adjusted to the demands of professional football and he has been frequently sidelined during his career so far.

Desire

However, he has had a couple of substitute appearances and will be fighting fit for the clash in Camp Nou on Wednesday night, and ominously for the Red Devils, he's keen to show what he can do.

“I am ready for United," he declared. "I am well. The fans are waiting for me to show what I can do on Wednesday.

“I am calm and I’ve so much desire to be at my best and be able to offer my team the things I can bring on the pitch.

“I am certain I will be even more determined in the game against Manchester which has special significance.”

A Great Player

The match - between two great teams - is being billed as Messi versus Ronaldo by many. The two of them both finished behind Milan's Kaka in the race for the Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year plaudits in 2007, but many nevertheless view the two of them as the top players in the world, with Ronaldo already in line to steal many of the honours for his incredible start to 2008.

Messi is keen to play down the impact of individuals and instead focus on the great teams on show, though he did have kind words for United's Portuguese sensation.

“Cristiano is a great player," said Leo. "He showed it last season and he’s showing it this season with many goals.

“But the game is between Manchester and Barcelona, not between Ronaldo and me. It’s a game between two great teams.”

A Thorn

Messi missed the finale of Barcelona's incredible 2006 La Liga and Champions League double, and admits to being particularly pained at missing out on the final in Paris. Accordingly, he is even more motivated than some of his team-mates may be, as he longs to experience his first Champions League final.

“It’s true I still have a thorn inside me about the final," admitted the youngster. "For that reason I want to win another Champions League with me playing in all the games.”

http://goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=666982

reddevilcanada · 21st April 2008, 05:55

Tevez: Barça Game A Chance To Make My Mark

Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez is looking forward to the blockbuster Champions League semi-final against Barcelona...

The first leg will be played at Camp Nou on Wednesday, and Tevez is coming off the back of a match-saving performance, as he scored a goal at the death this weekend to salvage a draw against Blackburn Rovers to maintain United's advantage over Chelsea in the league.

Opportunity

Turning to Europe, Tevez told Barça TV that the semi-final was “an opportunity to make his mark" and described the game as being "in another dimension”.

“It's like the final has been brought forward,” added the Argentine.

With things poised so well for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, Tevez stated that a good result was “just down to us”.

“If we continue playing in the same way, with the same passion, we’ve got a chance," declared Tevez. "Obviously it’s all down to us."

Pressure

Tevez is confident that his side, hitting something like peak form, can make things difficult for a Barça side in a degree of turmoil.

“They’re coming to the game with a lot of pressure on them," he said. "If we get to play in our style, we can make it very difficult for Barça.

"There are 180 match minutes ahead. Two games to play and we have to be smart. We have to come out focused and play well in all areas."

No Excuse

With Lionel Messi returning to full fitness, the Tevez's compatriot will be lining up against United, and that's something Carlitos is looking forward to.

“Let him play. If we beat them with Messi, there’ll be no excuse,” he declared somewhat ominously.

“He’s from another planet. He’s got amazing acceleration. He’s a marvellous player”.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=666857

Cold_Boy · 21st April 2008, 06:20

I hope Anderson,Hargreaves and Evra can handle Messi.

Cold_Boy · 21st April 2008, 06:20

What a fcking big game.

I can't wait.

hycool · 21st April 2008, 07:20

We cannot let Messi run all over us like what Kaka did last year. Game raisers. Time for us to be game raisers too.

reddevilcanada · 21st April 2008, 07:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by hycool

We cannot let Messi run all over us like what Kaka did last year. Game raisers. Time for us to be game raisers too.

kaka wouldn't have gotten a sniff at goal if we had our first choice back four fit then instead of a make-shift defence.

20th April 2008, 18:01	#121 (permalink)
Kelvin First Team Sub Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 7,814	Nani > Park

20th April 2008, 20:39	#124 (permalink)
Bape Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2,319	How likely is Deco going to recover in time for weds? I reckon if they are able to start with Deco in the tie, then they'll be stronger. Xavi and Iniesta don't compliment each other at all.

20th April 2008, 21:03	#126 (permalink)
Scholesy biggest idiotic gay in the village Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lets all laugh at Terry Posts: 3,479	On Sky, the commentator on Reals game said that Barca would play a midfield of Toure, Xavi, and Iniesta.

20th April 2008, 21:43	#128 (permalink)
Classy Cannon Left Back in the changing room Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,731	--------------------VDS--------------------- Brown----Rio--------Vidic-------------Evra ----Hargreaves----Carrick--Anderson---- Park/Ronnie-------------------------Ronnie/Park --------------Rooney------------- Subs:PIG,Pique,O'Shea,Giggs,Scholes,Nani,Tevez I can't see Wes, Evra & Carrick moving too far forward, so Hargreaves & Anderson will have to get wide when needed. Park should play whatever side Messi is on to help out Wes/Paddy. I'm going/hoping for a 2-0 win to us.

20th April 2008, 21:58	#129 (permalink)
Tibs Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,792	------------VDS------------ Brown - Rio - Vidic - Evra Anderson - Carrick - Hargo Ronaldo - Rooney - Nani That front line will be switched to Ronaldo - Tevez - Rooney at the 60 minute mark. Barcelona 0 Manchester United 12

20th April 2008, 22:42	#130 (permalink)
Longlivekeano Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,353	------------------------Van Der Sar--------------------- --Brown----------Rio-------------Vidic------------Evra-- ---------------------Carrick------------------------- --Hargreaves------Scholes-----Anderson-----------Ronaldo--- ---------------------Rooney-------------------------------- Subs: Kuzczak, O Shea, Pique, Nani, Tevez, Giggs, Park Prediction:1-1. Goal from Vidic. Hargreaves to start ahead of Anderson, Nani, Giggs since he is more tactically disciplined and lends the defense further cover with his tracking back, esp to counter the threat of Nani down the flanks

20th April 2008, 22:50	#131 (permalink)
a_devil_inside Big footed hermaphrodite Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Little Britain Posts: 23,486	I think we'll get a 2-2 draw or win 3-2 Ronaldo and Ferdinand. Maybe Giggs if he plays, if not then I fancy him to get a goal in any of the remaining games, maybe more than one

20th April 2008, 23:34	#133 (permalink)
Simon Adebesi Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sanctity, like a cat, abhors filth. Posts: 1,772	--------------Van der Sar------------ Wes ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra ------ Hargreaves ------- Carrick ---------- Park ---------- Anderson --------- Ronaldo ----------------Rooney -----------------

20th April 2008, 23:37	#134 (permalink)
Sam#1 First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: I'm in love with a girl I can't have :-( (It's not JLS) Posts: 12,521	-------------- Van der Sar ------------ Brown ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra ----------------- Carrick ----------------- ------ Hargreaves ------- Anderson-------- ---Rooney--------Ronaldo--------Tevez----

21st April 2008, 00:05	#135 (permalink)
KeyserSoze First Team Sub Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Way I Hear It Soze's Some Kind Of Butcher A Peerless Psycho Butcher Posts: 5,300	-------------- Van der Sar ------------ Brown ------- Rio ------- Vidic -------- Evra ----------------- Carrick ----------------- --------- Scholes ------- Anderson-------- ---Ronaldo--------Rooney--------Nani----

21st April 2008, 00:31	#138 (permalink)
zain Believe Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Only around where Top Reds are! Posts: 1,232	I'm just wondering if we can start off with Tevez against Barça? Maybe play Rooney and Ronnie on the wings with both Giggs and Nani on the bench?! Other reason I say that is because you just know Rooney has the sort of incredible energy levels to be making those runs down the left AS WELL AS track back and defend. I'm still confused whether I'd want Scholes to play or not...On 2nd thought I wouldn't mind him playing as the game won't be as fast paced in central midfield as the league games..... ----------------------VDS------------------------ --Brown------Rio-----------Vidic-------Evra------ ------Hargreaves--Carrick--Scholes------------- Ronaldo-------------------------------Rooney----- --------------------Tevez--------------------------- The above formation may well work I feel. We've got the tracking back of Rooney on the left as well as width to support him with Evra..And we all know Wayne can make those centre forward runs as he does so often On the right Hargreaves can always help out when going forward down the flank as Carrick sits back. Would love to see Tevez start.. Plus can always bring on Anderson, Nani, Park to raise the energy levels and add a bit of flair if needed? Bench: Anderson, Nani, Park, Nani, O'Shea, Neville/Silvestre, Foster

21st April 2008, 02:18	#141 (permalink)
Slevin Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hartlepool Posts: 812	Scholes is probably too slow to keep up with Barca's midfield now :/

21st April 2008, 03:59	#143 (permalink)
reddevilcanada First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,413	we'll definitely need one of Anderson or Hargreaves doubling up with Evra when Messi gets the ball, can't afford to give him any room for his runs. The more isolated he gets, the safer we are.

21st April 2008, 05:43	#144 (permalink)
reddevilcanada First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,413	Messi: I'm Ready For United Barcelona phenomenon Lionel Messi has emphasised his confidence ahead of their Champions League semi-final showdown against Manchester United... Barcelona have been in dreadful league form, while conversely the Red Devils look like running away with their second successive Premier League title, but in Europe, the two teams match up fairly evenly - both in terms of their history and in this current campaign. This clash is being billed as what would have been a dream final; many are tipping the winner of this semi-final to go on and win the competition. It will be a chaotic contest between arguably the two best sides in the world on paper; two teams that play at a breathtaking pace and boast some of the world's best talents. One of these is Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Just 20 years of age, the Argentine forward bears a frightening footballing resemblance to the great Diego Maradona. His dribbling ability is second to none and the explosive impact he can have on a game at any single moment is an asset that Barça became somewhat reliant on since the decline of Ronaldinho. That became their own undoing when the youngster limped off in their second round clash against Celtic in tears after picking up an injury. Still in his youth, his body does not appear to have fully adjusted to the demands of professional football and he has been frequently sidelined during his career so far. Desire However, he has had a couple of substitute appearances and will be fighting fit for the clash in Camp Nou on Wednesday night, and ominously for the Red Devils, he's keen to show what he can do. “I am ready for United," he declared. "I am well. The fans are waiting for me to show what I can do on Wednesday. “I am calm and I’ve so much desire to be at my best and be able to offer my team the things I can bring on the pitch. “I am certain I will be even more determined in the game against Manchester which has special significance.” A Great Player The match - between two great teams - is being billed as Messi versus Ronaldo by many. The two of them both finished behind Milan's Kaka in the race for the Ballon d'Or and World Player of the Year plaudits in 2007, but many nevertheless view the two of them as the top players in the world, with Ronaldo already in line to steal many of the honours for his incredible start to 2008. Messi is keen to play down the impact of individuals and instead focus on the great teams on show, though he did have kind words for United's Portuguese sensation. “Cristiano is a great player," said Leo. "He showed it last season and he’s showing it this season with many goals. “But the game is between Manchester and Barcelona, not between Ronaldo and me. It’s a game between two great teams.” A Thorn Messi missed the finale of Barcelona's incredible 2006 La Liga and Champions League double, and admits to being particularly pained at missing out on the final in Paris. Accordingly, he is even more motivated than some of his team-mates may be, as he longs to experience his first Champions League final. “It’s true I still have a thorn inside me about the final," admitted the youngster. "For that reason I want to win another Champions League with me playing in all the games.” http://goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=666982

21st April 2008, 05:55	#145 (permalink)
reddevilcanada First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 9,413	Tevez: Barça Game A Chance To Make My Mark Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez is looking forward to the blockbuster Champions League semi-final against Barcelona... The first leg will be played at Camp Nou on Wednesday, and Tevez is coming off the back of a match-saving performance, as he scored a goal at the death this weekend to salvage a draw against Blackburn Rovers to maintain United's advantage over Chelsea in the league. Opportunity Turning to Europe, Tevez told Barça TV that the semi-final was “an opportunity to make his mark" and described the game as being "in another dimension”. “It's like the final has been brought forward,” added the Argentine. With things poised so well for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, Tevez stated that a good result was “just down to us”. “If we continue playing in the same way, with the same passion, we’ve got a chance," declared Tevez. "Obviously it’s all down to us." Pressure Tevez is confident that his side, hitting something like peak form, can make things difficult for a Barça side in a degree of turmoil. “They’re coming to the game with a lot of pressure on them," he said. "If we get to play in our style, we can make it very difficult for Barça. "There are 180 match minutes ahead. Two games to play and we have to be smart. We have to come out focused and play well in all areas." No Excuse With Lionel Messi returning to full fitness, the Tevez's compatriot will be lining up against United, and that's something Carlitos is looking forward to. “Let him play. If we beat them with Messi, there’ll be no excuse,” he declared somewhat ominously. “He’s from another planet. He’s got amazing acceleration. He’s a marvellous player”. http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=666857

21st April 2008, 06:20	#146 (permalink)
Cold_Boy Amit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: somewhere i hate to live Posts: 9,403	I hope Anderson,Hargreaves and Evra can handle Messi.

21st April 2008, 06:20	#147 (permalink)
Cold_Boy Amit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: somewhere i hate to live Posts: 9,403	What a fcking big game. I can't wait.

21st April 2008, 07:20	#148 (permalink)
hycool CR7 fanboy Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Munich, Germany Posts: 2,090	We cannot let Messi run all over us like what Kaka did last year. Game raisers. Time for us to be game raisers too.