Curse of the Liverpool fans to damn United

Yesterday Counter Attack promised it would deliver a prediction on tonight’s Champions League final and if you are a Manchester United fan you might not want to read on.

After some diligent and thorough research the only conclusion we can reach is that it’s going to be Barcelona’s night. What shape did the research take? An in-depth look into how the expected climactic conditions affect each set of players? Does Pep Guardiola’s leather tie have some kind of Kryptonite effect on opponents?Nope, none of the above. Instead we set about asking every single Liverpool-supporting friend for their thoughts on tonight’s outcome. And alarmingly for United fans they all, without exception, tipped the Red Devils for glory.

“Mine is 2-1 to your shower and a poor enough match,” read one of the more damning texted verdicts.

“Well that’s a sloppy wet kiss of death if ever I’ve seen one. Thanks,” I replied.

“Pleasure”

So we’re going for the same format as yesterday – take a look at the English champions and their probable line-up, taking it player-by-player, rating each one and outlining some good value odds.

Edwin van der Sar (9/0): The veteran Dutch goalkeeper seems to be improving with age and he has the experience to deal with a big-match occasion like this. United’s penalty hero in Moscow last year. 9

John O’Shea (11/1): He was promised a start in Rome by Fergie after his goalscoring exploits in the semi-final against Arsenal. And the United boss has reiterated that promise in the build-up to tonight’s match. He’ll have a big job keeping Thierry Henry quiet. 8

Rio Ferdinand (10/0): One half of the best defensive pairing at Old Trafford of Fergie’s reign – even better than the famous Bruce/Pallister combo. The England international has matured into a fantastic defender. 9

Nemanja Vidic (8/1): Virtually unknown when he signed for United but the Serbian, while prone to the odd error in judgement, is one of the best around these days. 9

Bet: Man of the Match 16/1

Patrice Evra (10/0): He will be busy trying to deal with Lionel Messi and it remains to be seen how that will affect his attacking instincts but Evra offers United so much both at the back and going forward on the left-flank. 9

Bet: Player to receive first card 8/1

Michael Carrick (8/0): Carrick will probably be the man to curb the influence of players like Xavi and Iniesta tonight in the absence of Darren Fletcher. 8

Anderson (8/0): The Brazilian midfielder has enjoyed a fine season for United and has featured regularly in the crunch knock-out stages. He will be expected to get forward and support the attacking trio. 8

Paul Scholes (5/0): A veteran of European campaigns, this Old Trafford legend could be the one to benefit from Fletcher’s unfortunate ban. He has admitted himself that he no longer has the legs to push forward like he used to but that won’t be an issue tonight. Fergie is likely to want Scholes to remain deep to deal with Barca’s attacking midfield threat. 8

Ji Sung Park (8/1): Left out of the squad in Moscow last year, Park is set to feature tonight after he put in some top performances in the Champions League this year. Expect him to start on the right of Fergie’s three-pronged attack. 8

Bet: To score at any time 6/1

Cristiano Ronaldo (11/4): It has been billed as Ronaldo versus Messi and it could well be that the outcome is decided by whoever performs between these two superstars. He scored in last year’s final and is expected to come up with the goods once again. 10

Bet: First goalscorer 5/1, First player to be fouled 8/11

Wayne Rooney (12/4): Rooney will probably switch between the left-side and centre of United’s attack. We know what to expect from him – hard work and lots of skills. United fans will be hoping for a goal or two as well. 10

Bet: First goalscorer in second-half 7/1

Total: 96

Barcelona’s total: 94

Player-by-player it looks like United should come out on top, but the curse of the Liverpool fans hangs over the Red Devils! It’s in defence where United have the upper hand, while Barcelona’s attack is slightly more fluid.

Barca to edge it at evens

Categories: Soccer