Prima Squadra
Group: Moderators
Posts: 39,609
Joined: 6-January 06
From: Malta
Member No.: 1,109
|
CL Preview: AC Milan - Manchester United Milan go into this clash looking for a chance to win their 7th trophy, while Manchester United are craving for their 3rd, having underachieved in Europe by their own admission.
The last few years have been very forgettable for the Red Devils, with the shock 2002 semi-final defeat to Bayer Leverkusen being the closest they have come since winning the trophy as a part of their famous 1999 treble.
A certain Michael Ballack was sensational for Bayer back then, though he did get himself suspended for the Real Madrid finale in the process. Since, the Red Devils have been undone by Real Madrid, Porto, Milan and Benfica, well before the last four stage. They finally have another opportunity to set their European record straight.
Milan, meanwhile, have been there and thereabouts consistently. Two finals and one win in four years, a fourth semi-final in five years and third in a row, just about say everything that needs to be about their European pedigree.
This team has been around for a while, and though some key players might fast be approaching their use-by dates, there is still enough fire in their bellies. The way they stamped their authority on the ebullient Manchester United players over significant parts of the first leg is proof enough.
Pace And Tempo
There is plenty that will dictate the way the game progresses, but at the risk of over-simplifying things, I will say that Manchester United will simply look to outscore their opponents, for that is what they are about.
They will want to score enough goals to complicate life for Milan. That is what they have done all season. It might not be an all-dominant display at the San Siro, so the mantra will be: win the ball in the middle, and send Rooney, Giggs and Ronaldo on their way!
Milan, meanwhile, will try to impose their own tempo on the game, ensure that United feel uncomfortable in midfield, and are unable to play Ronaldo and Rooney into space. Then, and only then (for they always build upon a solid defence), will it be about carving the Red Devils open using the vision of Pirlo and Seedorf, the impeccable instinct of Kaka, and the bite of Inzaghi.
After putting in some great work, they were unable to control the pace of the game during the final 30 minutes of the first leg, and paid a big price for that. 'Sustained intensity' might just be a term used a few times in the dressing room as Ancelotti makes sure there are no late lapses.
At the risk of dishing out a cliche, 'there ain't no third leg'!
Ronaldo Vs. Kaka
The battle royale for superiority between these to geniuses of the game has yet to reach it's zenith. Both of them played their roles at Old Trafford, perhaps Kaka a little more decisively, but the lime-light was stolen from them by a spectacular Wayne Rooney.
The Englishman was the cynosure of most eyes come the end of that game, but has since been quick to deflect pressure away from himself, suggesting that Kaka and Ronaldo were the two decisive players.
What makes this battle more exciting is that whoever wins it could be the odds on favourite to win the Golden Ball. Chelsea's defeat has virtually ruled Drogba out of the running, given that Chelsea are unlikely to win the Premiership. Steven Gerrard will be a factor if he lifts his second Champions League trophy in three weeks' time, but he remains an outsider. La Liga has not thrown up any specials this season either, with Ronaldinho far from his best, and Eto'o and Messi injured for most of the season.
Under the circumstances, this is a direct fight for the big award, one which Ronaldo has an early lead in thanks to his role in Manchester United's Premiership campaign. But if Milan can win this and then the final, it should be Kaka's barring a surprise!
Defensive Woes
United's problems are manifold at this point, as they have their two first choice full-backs - Neville and Evra - unavailable through injury and suspension respectively, and their two centre-halves doubtful. With Silvestre also out, Ferguson will actually have no senior team defenders to play unless at least one out of Vidic and Ferdinand is ready.
Milan, meanwhile, must live without skipper Paolo Maldini, and with an unfit Gattuso, who is set to play nevertheless. Once again, how these issues affect Milan's solidity (we know how they did in Manchester), will go a long way towards dictating where the balance of the game will lie.
Inzaghi's return means that United will not have the easy ride that an anonymous Gilardino gave them, and Rooney's explosive burst of form (three decisive goals in two games) will mean that whoever comes in for Maldini (read Kaladze), will have his work cut out.
TEAM NEWS
AC Milan
There is good news for the Rossoneri on all fronts but one. As mentioned Gattuso is ready to feature, as is 'Pippo' Inzaghi, ensuring Milan will remain formidable in the middle, and have the bite that they lacked up front at Old Trafford. Kaka will surely be delighted, as he will have that someone he can actually set up using his clever touches and flicks. That, in turn, will only increase his own goal-scoring threat.
Paolo Maldini's knee injury is that one dark spot. After stalling over his skipper's fitness, Ancelotti has officially ruled him out of the clash, and must now formulate alternative plans. Kaladze is fit again, and might just pip Bonera to a starting role. The rest will remain as it was, with a 4-4-1-1, Kaka behind Inzaghi, and Seedorf getting himself up to support them in attack, changing to a 4-3-2-1 or a 4-3-1-2.
On a slightly cautious note, there is still some worry about Gattuso. Brave and gutsy as he is, the Italian international is still not completely fit, and was seen feeling his foot on Tuesday evening again. There are suggestions he will take injections and play through the pain. But then again, even a half-fit Gattuso is better than many others. Even if he does worsen things for himself, he can afford to take three weeks off to recover for the final, if Milan make it.
Probable Line-Up: Dida – Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski - Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf – Kaka – Inzaghi.
Manchester United
The fitness of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have dominated Manchester United's build-up, though there has been a bit said about Jose Mourinho supposedly trying to unsettle Cristiano Ronaldo.
Vidic and Rio have both travelled to Milan, but their participation remains very uncertain. The latest on the matter is that Ferguson has suggested he will not risk both of them together. Vidic has been out for longer, but is also more likely to return, particularly as his shoulder injury is less prone to a relapse.
Rio's groin problems could prove to be a tricky proposition, and Sir Alex will be wary of further damage ruling his best defender out for another month or so - during which they could well be playing two big finals. Brown should partner Vidic, then, with Heinze back on the left to cover for the suspended Evra, and O'Shea on the right.
Ferguson's decision to go with just Rooney up front, and pack three into midfield, was quite a surprise last time around. That system will be used once again at the San Siro, meaning Fletcher will accompany Carrick and Scholes in the middle. This was done largely to avoid being outnumbered in the middle, and worked, it has to be said.
Giggs and Ronaldo will start out wide, in support of Wayne Rooney, but the three will swap positions at will, making man-marking practically impossible, and keeping Milan on their toes. It will be 4-3-3 in attack, and 4-5-1 in defence!
Probable Line-Up: Van der Sar – O'Shea, Brown, Vidic, Heinze – Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes – Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs.
PREDICTION
It is a very difficult one to call, with Manchester United having the advantage in terms of the 'half time' score, and Milan having those two away goals. I am certain the Red Devils will score, and I am just as certain that the Rossoneri will not lose at the San Siro. That is as far as I am willing to go. 2-1 or 2-2? Nobody can really say!
If I was really pushed, I would go for extra time, as it will mean we will have witnessed five more goals and another breathtaking game of football!
|