Champions League Preview
Manchester United vs Barcelona
Usually in these spots I would love Barcelona but something is off with that team. Yes there undefeated in Champions League play but have been unconvincing in the knockout stages. The last three games they’ve won 1-0 (granted the first game against Celtic they didn’t need to do much since they wrapped it up with a 3-2 win on the road in the first leg) the last two 1-0 wins vs Schalke. While professional wins neither victory inspire anyone to believe Barcelona is on the right track.
In the last two months whenever Barcelona needed a big win to stay close to Real Madrid in the Spanish league they have pretty much failed. They drew 0-0 on the weekend to cross town rivals Espanyol, drew 2-2 the week before and 0-0 the week before that and are now 10 points back of Real Madrid.
Basically what I’m saying is that when the chips are down teams do one of two things dust themselves off and fight harder or fold and Barcelona has folded all season long. They lost to Real Madrid at home and that never should happen plus their captain and best defender Carlos Puyol is suspended for the match due to Yellow Cards. Yes Messi will most likely play but great as he is Messi won’t be at full fitness.
Manchester United on the other hand have played with grit all year long when they are down they find a way to get it done. Even last week drawing against Blackburn since a draw leaves them 3 points up with the tiebacker going into their match vs Chelsea this weekend in the EPL. I can go back in the Champions League to coming back on the road to tie Lyon 1-1 or going into Rome and beating Roma 2-0 which is never easy. Players like Tevez just will a way to get a result which is key when going into a place as tough to win as the Camp Nou.
Sinnacle Prediction – Manchester United 3-1