Good discussion fellas (giant_causeway, Kid_A, lonetree, etc), frankly I think anybody can make an intelligent, convincing case for just about any of the four teams in semis right now. Here's more thoughts (related and unrelated to the wagers):
wouldn't shred too many tears over Ronaldinho.. He's not performed the last few years imo. When he goes, Barca will likely get their transfer fee back which is outstanding considering he's 28 and invest in the defence.
Agree, and disagree. Seems like in soccer (or in sports general), we see fewer and fewer players stay with a given club for long periods of time while sustaining a high level of performance. Especially more so in soccer, unless you grew up in their youth system (the Maldinis, Puyols, Gerrards), not many transfer stars seem to do well in a new club for over 4-5 years. Seems just about everyone turns "stale" and ends up needing a change of scenary, and I guess Dinho's cycle with Barca is done, but my god did he provide memorable moments! However, like so many times before, Barca will do lousy business selling Ronaldinho. Do you realize Chelsea and Milan were offering 70 million EUROS last year for Dinho's services? Goodness! The most recent offer being thrown around by Milan? 30 million for 'dinho... AND zambrotta (who Barca paid 13 million euros a year and a half ago if i'm not mistaken). Oh well, just another botched sale in the long history of the club (ie. Rivaldo being given away to Milan FOR FREE after winning FIFA player of the year and being top goal-scorer in the world cup that same year... Saviola leaving for free to R. Madrid this offseason... Overmars... Petit... Quaresma... the list is endless)
Bojan and Dos Santos should start on the bench??
They probably should and will, but I have a suspicious feeling that they don't...
Should be Valdez, Thuram, Zambrotta, Abidal, Marquez, Xavi, Toure, Iniesta, Henry, Et'o and Messi in a 4-3-3?? That on paper is more then enough...?
That lineup sounds about right. But Rijkaard never does the predictable thing. He always throws at least one monkeywrench just b/c he is who he is. Perhaps with the added scrutiny of this matchup, he might end up sticking "by the book". Just keep in mind young Bojan has been carrying this team the past month or so. I seriously wouldn't be surprised to see Thierry start the game on the bench.
Now... I've had a day to re-consider my thoughts on the game, and not much has changed. Barcelona papers have published just about everyone and anyone who has anything to do with soccer's opinions as to how to "stop Man U", and 99% of them seem to run along the lines of "Cristiano is Man U's motor, stop him, and you can stop Man U"... riiiiight. Because that is such a novel idea and no other coach has ever thought about that before. Now, Abidal is a very competent defender and marker, and I've even heard of Iniesta assisting in marking duties on the wanker by playing libero (he's done it a few times before). But aside from on-the-pitch strategies, my thoughts on this game (and my little faith in Barca advancing) has more to do with non-sports-related reasons than with on-the-pitch strategem.
As much as it pains me to admit, Barca is as bad as they come overcoming adversity. They are NOT known as a team that shines when it matters... as putting forth that extra gear when most needed. If anything, they seem to crumble when the pressure is on them, and I can't even remember the last time they came through when circumstances were dire. When they struggle, they don't just lose, they free-fall. When management has problems, they go into full crisis mode. And aside from that memorable night at Wembley in'92 and two years ago against a 10-man side Arsenal, they have distinguished themselves by crumbling in the shiniest stage of world soccer. (I attribute much of this to the fact that they've always liked practicing touch football and have always employed touch/elegant players in the Laudrup, Guardiola mold, and therefore have always lacked the aggresiveness of the British/Italian teams)
Now, every team and every roster is unique, and the past doesn't necessarily dictate what will likely happen in the future. However, I'm merely stating that with all those powerhouse teams Barca have had over the past 50 years, they haven't had too many magical european nights to remember in the past, and that must be for a reason.
They very well may win. I hope they win. Hell, I'll yell at my 60" Kuro for two straight hours for them to win. But fact remains - the bettor in me knows that homefield aside, given their current state of form, Man U pickem at plus money represents value here (yes... even at the Nou Camp)
ps. Henry IS available for tomorrow's match. Puyol is definitely out (suspended), but he hasn't been as consistent the past 5 or so games, so hopefully Marquez won't do much worse. (actually, scratch that, he will do much worse). The key in this matchup will be the midfield play - 1) how well xavi controls the ball tempo + iniesta's creativity, and wing defense - abidal abidal abidal.
Either way boys, it's going to be a great great GREAT match tomorrow. Here's hoping for one of Barca's magical european nights
