Barcelona vs Manchester Utd

Written by: mariusrec
Date: 2008-04-23
League: Football - Champions League

I'm going to take Manchester United to reach the final, as a pick for this double encounter between Barcelona and Manchester.

The odds offered here are just impossible to turn down.I took the 1.67 odd offered by Betfred.I just can see why anyone would offer such odds, and my only explanation would be that there are plenty on bettors out there that believe in Barcelona's chances; chances that are very small if you ask me.

The first major advantage that Manchester has, is the fact that the second match is played at Old Trafford, so no matter how favorable the outcome of the first match will be in Barcelona's favor, Manchester still have a chance of turning things around , at home in front of their own fans.So, the decisive match will be played in Manchester and this fact and mean a lot.

Another reason why i backed Manchester is for the way the two teams are playing.Barcelona are struggling to find a good form and a good solid starting 11 for some time now.They aren't the team they were a few season ago, but some people still have that impression and that is one of the facts why the odds are so good for Manchester to qualify.

Barcelona have some talented players in the squad but they don't form a solid team, and some players are starting to look a bit lost.Some just don't have a lot of experience and they need a few more seasons to reach the top of their form.While, on the other side, Manchester, is a "full option" team.They seem to have everything they need in all departments.They were unlucky last season, against AC Milan, as they were defeated, by a lucky Milan team which managed to won in Milano just because of the rain the stopped Manchester to put in actions their speed.

Most of Manchester's players are young and after some seasons of gaining experience are now looking to win some titles and cups.The Premier League this season is in a 90 % proportion already won, so the Champions League is the only thing that remains to be won.

For the first match, Barcelona will have to manage without Puyol,a key players in defense.It was bad enough with him, let alone without him.

Another fact is that Barcelona is at this stage, just because of Schalke's bad luck.Schalke should have score at least 3 goals in the double encounter with Barcelona, and the goal at Camp Nou was a lucky one. A goal that kind of killed Schalke's ambition, as they started very well the second match, and they looked like they can turn things around.

I've already took Manchester to qualify before the first match, as i believe Manchester can obtain a good results from the first match (as they did against Roma) and such an odd would be hard to find.

So, Manchester to qualify is my bet, with high stake.

Pick taken from the Tipster Competition.

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