Strategy vs Lineup

Alex

Ideally Carrick would step in, but I reckon Anderson will put his stamp on the game where as Carrick will not, sometimes he can be quite quiet v top CMs (that said he was great v Chelsea at OT), I dont know I just know Anderson is quality and I reckon he will be better than Carrick in this big game, let the trinity and Scholes create the chances while Anderson and Hargreaves are able to support. You are right that Anderson tends to drift forward but he is one of the fastest players on the pitch and plays down center, which means he makes up time quick on the ball, and he is great in the tackle. I say leave Carrick on the bench, if shit goes wrong at anypoint he would be a great sub to have come on and help United pass in a goal if needed but I think this lineup is sufficient for sure

Julian Denny

You are right about Anderson's qualities but, stating the obvious, I still see him as one for the future. For all his endeavour and skill, I don't think as a midfielder he quite comes up with sufficent product as yet. In otherwords how effective has he been looking at his appearances collectively ? I still think Carrick & Hargreaves should have been played together much more often in midfield this season so that they could have had more opportunity to develop a really telling partnership - particularly with a huge game like this coming up. Injuries perhaps dictated selection more than Fergie would have liked.

Feed Me

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.

Eto'odinho

Anderson needs to start this game BUT not as our most advanced midfielder

Bilbo

I think their recent improvement is down to improved form from one or two players rather than the team as collective. Ballack seems to have re-discovered his mojo, and will need looking after.

Chelsea are far from unbeatable. They have character to spare, but I still think United are at least a slightly better side.

Bilbo

Anderson won't start. I don't think he'll get on the pitch at all, to be honest. It wouldn't make sense to play him after barely using in the last month.

Julian Denny

What about experience ? I thought I heard Fergie say, in an off moment, that they were more experienced. I don't think they are if we play the line up I think we should. Nani and Anderson, despite some international experience, are probably the only ones, everyone else seems to be seasoned internatonals with plenty of European experience as well. I suppose its what happens on the night - who shows up, so to speak. In trying to play it tight I hope our tactics don't restrict our natural flair.

Julian Denny

Perhaps its even a toss up between him and Fletcher for the bench.

Crustanoid

an early goal (for us) will open it up. Thats why are front 3/4 will be key. I have no reservations about our defence

Julian Denny

An early goal will do wonders - or even 1-0 to us at ht. Chelsea love to keep games tight at 0-0 and then grab something in the second half.

Bilbo

I honestly don't think Ferguson gives a hoot how we win this, as long as we do. This could be a defining match in his career, as I think if we win it we could go on to add another couple in the next few years. If we lose, who knows. It will be a big blow.

Our new-found ability to win ugly when we have to has made all the difference this year. The matches at Anfield, Emirates, Nou Camp (even at Lyon) were so impressive from a 'team' perspective, but it doesn't always click up front. When it does, I think we are near unbeatable. When it doesn't, we at least have the fall-back that we are unlikely to concede.

Bilbo

Agreed. Anderson will hopefully have a big season next year, but I reckon this one is over for him.

Julian Denny

We are a bit more of a mystery I think. It's difficult to predict what team we'll play, what the tactics will be and whether or not we'll click upfront or in midfield. The only really predicatable part is the back five. Not sure if that's a concern - maybe it is.

Bilbo

I think team selection is fairly clear. There are at least nine, but probably ten definite starters. I think Hargreaves should play in the midfield three, but its not certain. Nor is it certain if Tevez will play, or he'll go with Giggs/Park/Nani instead of him. I think we'll need Tevez's strength and work-rate in this game, with Giggs to replace him late on depending on how things stand.

MUFCgal

Yeah 4-3-3 would give us such an attacking threat. We all know how good Terry and Carvalho are together so playing 4-5-1 against the second best centre pairing in the premiership is just asking too much of Rooney perhaps. I'd play 4-4-3 maybe but I think I'd have Carrick there instead of Anderson, and just use Anderson if needs be to give fresh legs to the midfield.

Julian Denny

That rather illustrates the point. I would have thought Hargreaves in a defensive midfield role is made for a game like this. Fergie may play him in a floating role further upfront or not at all - who knows ? I wouldn't start Park ahead of Tevez or start Nani and definitely not Giggs. The latter's role should be super sub from now on. Fergie likes to keep everyone guessing so anything's possible.

Denis' cuff

vds
Wes
Rio
Vidic
Evra
Carrick
Scholes
Park
Ron
Roon
Tevez

Pig
Hargo
Fletch/Ando
Giggs
Nani/Saha


that's what he'll pick

Bilbo

Hopefully he'll use Hargreaves in a floating role, or maybe to pick up Ballack. Scholes and Carrick will both sit too deep for him to do the same. They'll just get in each others way. If Hargreaves just runs around being a menace he could be very useful for us. In addition he can get wide and help us double up on full-backs.

Park, I've personally never rated too highly, and I think he'd get bullied in a match like this. Physical battles are not for him. Tevez has the same energy, with more strength and ability. I'd be very surprised if Park started the match.

reelworld

I reckon this would be the case with Hargreaves being the one to mark Makelele.

Julian Denny

Scholes playing too deep, which he has done quite a bit this season, is to be avoided. He's simply not effective there and it tends to neutralise his attacking abilities. He did do well against Barca in the first leg but I wouldn't bet on him repeating that performance. In that game we were intent on keeping them out and it has to be different this time.

Agree on Park although he could be more than useful as sub if needed.