FC Barcelona vs Manchester United - A Dream Final?

There are expectations of fireworks when FC Barcelona play Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League 2008-09 final in Rome on May 27th. Sir Alex Ferguson and Guardiola both have mentioned it as a final to savour. But whether we can go by their statements is debatable, especially with Alex Ferguson's. The Manchester United coach promised twice to attack FCBarcelona when they met last season. The English media hyped Manchester United attack to that extent, everyone suddenly expected a massacre of an out-of-sort FCBarcelona side at the hands of ManU. But in reality Ferguson took the sensible option of parking the bus around the box and hoped to catch FCBarcelona napping in the process, which they did with a Scholes screamer. But there was no massacre by Cristiano Ronaldo and co. Actually Ronaldo never saw the ball enough in those two matches. Hence once again we can expect a similiar tactic from Manchestr United. Why shouldn't they follow the same? Actually this season they have been playing the same way throught out Europe with great success.

The final between Manchester United and FC Barcelona has been billed as the biggest and the most inspiring final of Champions League final. It is indeed the clash between the Best Attack and the Most Meanest Defense of Europe this season. Manchester United has scored 18 goals and have conceded only six goals, whereas FC Barcelona has conceded 13 and scored 30 goals. So it will be advisable not to take this hailing of attacking display too much into your head. Last season Champions League final saw one of the most boring finals ever in the history and fans around the globe will be hoping that this final atleast lives to it expectation. The absence of regualr full-backs from FCBarcelona side may make Manchester United attack a bit more than last season but I firmly believe that they will depend on their defense to win the final for them. If they succeed in that, they will become the first side to retain a Champions League trophy. If FC Barcelona is going to stop them they need the service of Iniesta and Henry at Rome in full flow.

FC Barcelona and Manchester United has faced each other in two previous Champions League season after 91-92. The first time they met was in the Groups Stage of 94 - 95 Champions League. FC Barcelona held Manchester United to a 2-2 draw away from home and demolished them 4-0 at home. But the roles slightly reversed when they met last season in semis. Manchester United held Barca to goal less draw at home and then expelled Barca out of competition with a 1-0 victory at home. So there is nothing much to chose from between the two. Manchester United have a unenviable 100% success ratio at the Champions League final. But then no Champions have been able to retain their title till now. But I do have a feeling that this final will not dissappoint anyone, especially football fans.

Should Bojan Krkic Start in Rome?

Next year there is a high possibility of Bojan Krkic being loaned out to some other club. Bojan has always insisted on staying in Barca and fighting for a place, but recently he seems to be in line in accepting a temporary loan move. Celtic again has shown interest in him, but then there is also interest from some Premier League clubs like Blackburn. With the League title in the kitty, Bojan had got two consecutive starts which has been so rare this season. He had a great outing in the Copa Del Rey final and rounded up that display with a wonderful goal. Again in the weekend he was the best Barca player on the pitch. He looks more comfortable playing in the left rather than in centre. He is a player who likes to have space to work around and that explains why he has not been that sharp when played in the centre. But nobody doubts his credential as a natural poacher. He already have ten goals to his credit eventhough he has not started that much this season.

Ok, coming back to the main topic. Thierry Henry and Iniesta is reported to be recovering well from their injuries. They both most probably will be available for the final in Rome. But it is yet to see whether Guardiola will start with both of them especially Henry. Iniesta, if recovered will move into the midfield as we don't have anyone of that quality to replace him in the middle. But the idea of bringing Henry directly from an injury lay-off to first team does not sound positive with me. I would prefer Bojan to start on the left and would like to bring on Henry early in the second half depending on the situation. Bojan has been performing well in recent matches. He knew that there could be a chance in the final up for grabs and he has readily jumped into contention. May be the match against Osasuna will give us more time to decide whether Bojan should start in front left.

Barca Player Ratings against Mallorca on 17/05/09

Oier Olazabal - 6.5 - I liked him. He did look susceptible at times and should have done better for the first goal. But his coming off his line was excellent. Definitely a nice back-up for Valdes in future.

Alves - 6.5 - Did well defensively but as in last matches was not into his usual self in attack. May be we will not miss him too much in Rome.

Caceres - 7 - Good overall but has to improve on his positional sense. Got some serious challenges and tackles right.

Abidal - 6.5 - Was good throughout the match. Gave away the free kick which led to first goal. But overall had a decent match.

Sylvinho - 6.5 - He was solid and calm. Didn't go up that too much, but whenever he did he still oozez energy. Got some match practice for Rome.

Gudjohnsen - 6.5 - A decent outing maybe one of his last in Barcelona shirt. Looked so good when going forward.

Xavi Torres - 6 - Ok, give the guys some credit. It was his debut and he came out with his head held high. He is that kind of player who will make so much fouls. But with more experience he should improve. His ball distribution should definitely improve.

Hleb - 7 - He had three good chances but failed to get hold of any. But overall was decent in attack.

Pedro - 6 - Wasted a great oppurtunity given by Guardiola. Was good with his run but never was able to find any of team mates at the end of it.

Eto - 3.5 - Great finish for the goal. Wasted so many chances. What makes it more irritating is that he vere tried to be clever, a decent chip of flick woul have helped him finish but he still went on shooting low with much power.

Bojan - 8 - Great performance. I will be surprised if Guardiola overlooks him for Rome, if Henry don't start. He was at his creative best last night.

Man Of The Match - Bojan Krkic