Arsenal v Manchester United

Cling Bak said:
No Rooney or Berbatov? I think not.

I'm quite surprised at the mass belief that Rooney is not going to start this one. It almost seems like one of those internet hysteria's where opinion becomes fact. It's the only source I've read where he isn't in the starting line-up. Fair enough if he doesn't play, but this is the biggest game of the season and Rooney's our in form, perhaps best player. The team comes first, we'd be risking not making the final just because we wanted Rooney to play in it.
Click to expand...

If i was picking the team he'd be in it for sure. Just a feeling i have that's all.
 
Joga_Bonito said:
I don't know whether this has been mentioned, but providing that Sir Alex has decided to go with Tevez in place of Berbatov, as the weekends selection would suggest, I would be tempted to start with Ronaldo through the middle for at least the first 25 mins, or so, possibly longer.

The reason for that is two-fold. Arsenal will almost certainly attempt to start the game in a similar manner to United in the first leg. Tevez and Rooney would provide the necessary cover for O'Shea and Evra when Arsenal's fullbacks inevitably attempt to push on and create the overload.

Ronaldo, starting from a central position, should be able to take advantage of the gaps left by one of the two fullbacks. When Arsenal's attack breaks down, Ronaldo can make an arching run in either direction (towards the left flank, or the right), in preparation for a ball played down the sides. Whether he could then get in on goal, or simply hold up the ball long enough for support to arrive, obviously depends on the circumstances.

Now, you may think that it would be easier for Ronaldo to take advantage of gaps left by a marauding fullback if he actually starts in the wide position, but I would disagree. For one, you don't want make it obvious that that is what you intend to do. Even if the fullback is caught up-field, it's highly unlikely that Ronaldo will be left unmarked. It's also much easier to squeeze him out if he starts near the touchline, not to mention that, from the central position, there is a far greater area of pitch to run in to, both with the ball, as well as without.

Ronaldo can also take advantage of any nerves in the Arsenal backline, particularly in the opening exchanges, and pace is likely to give you the best chance of that. And there is also the potential for him to do what he did against Porto.
Click to expand...

I certainly wouldn't be against Ronaldo starting in a central role, in fact it's what i would personally do if i was picking the team but i wouldn't have Tevez filling in on the wide areas. It would be Park for me. However, it does look as though Tevez will be starting therefor i can only imaging him playing through the middle, as i don't think he's played the wide role for us before.
 
5 hours and 15 mins away from KO. Im nervous, going to be drinking hard liquor tonight, thats for sure. Hope we play with confidence and a level head and we should go through. Come on United, get the job done. Get to Rome at any cost and play the strongest team.
 
ALX8725 said:
I really really hope SAF goes with Carrick, Fletcher, and Anderson in the midfield with Rooney, Ronaldo, and Tevez up top...
Click to expand...

It's a very real possibility. I'm 100% certain that the midfield trio you have selected there will be the starters tonight, the only question marks are over the forwards.
 
There'll be at least one surprise, one rabbit pulled out of the hat as regards the Starting XI. Just don't know who.
 
Van der Sar
O'Shea Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Fletcher Carrick Anderson
Tévez Ronaldo Rooney
--
Subs: Foster; Rafael, Evans; Scholes, Giggs, Park; Berbatov.​

It'll be a draw I reckon, 1-1 or 2-2. Ronaldo to score tonight.
 
0-1 Brown 'OG 89 mins...Then O'Shea to score a glorious left-footed chip past Almunia on 120 mins!
 
Right, I've decided that we're definitely going to win this one. No worries at all.
 
Expecting us to have another professional performance to see us through.
 
One thing is for sure. We need firepower throughout our squad. Getting at least one goal at the Emirates is the highest priority for us. Arsenal will be aiming to outscore us and we will need to be very effective on the counter attack. If the worst happens and we go towards extra time and penalties we will need players capable of finding the back of the net as well.
 
Anyone else slightly disappointed that Giggs is unlikely to play a part?

I've been singing 'Giggs will tear you apart' in my head all day, before realising that he's even going to be playing.
 
We won't start Berbatov, Ronaldo will play through the middle again, with Park and Rooney on the flanks. Giggs and Tevez could well start, too, but I reckon this'll be the lineup:

VDS

O'Shea
Rio
Vidic
Evra

Fletcher
Carrick
Anderson

Park
Ronaldo
Rooney
 
BBC Sport's Nick Crowther (an Arsenal fan): "Spotted the Manchester United squad having a stroll through Regents Park this morning and said to an elderly gentleman I was passing: 'You don't see that every day'. He replied: 'Well I don't know who they are, but they look very miserable.' 'No,' I said. 'They're just nervous'."
Click to expand...

From BBC live text
 
I hope:

---------------------------- VDS ---------------------------

--- O'Shea ------- Rio -------------- Vidic ------------ Evra

------------- Fletcher ----- Carrick ----- Anderson ----------

--- Ronaldo ----------------------------------------- Rooney

------------------------- Tevez -----------------------------
 
Agree with everyones team thought the same one the other night.
United, please dont waste the chances.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.