CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL - Rome 2009 Predictions/Betting/Analysis
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome)
Official ball: Adidas 2009 Roma Finale
Main
Main Referee: Swiss referee Massimo Busacca
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Key in-form player for Man United: C.Ronaldo
Not as deadly this season as last year, he's still lead United to another record year and is the reigning World Player of the Year. His goal scoring record puts him near the top of the Premiership, expect to see him man marked throughout the game with a shadow RB/LB for cover.
Key in form player for Barcelona: L.Messi
The quick Argentinian is coming off a high winning the Copa Del Rey in Spain, and is certainly looking to make his case for being the best player in the world after having a ?150 million transfer price stuck no his head. Sir Alex Ferguson himself admitted there is little to differentiate Messi and Ronaldo, making it a intriguing matchup.
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Veteran who will come through for Barca: T.Henry
Henry has been often questioned for moving to Barca by the Arsenal faithful and he is clearly at the end of his career. Still, he was at one time a feared striker and Manchester knows well enough just how dangerous he is if left unmarked. Even if he no longer posesses the blistering pace, his experience will ensure that he is often double teamed leaving a man open for him to distribute the ball to. He should be able to use Eto'o's (sp?) speed to his advantage, releasing the Cameroon forward to do his sprints with some through balls.
x-factor for Barcelona: Y. Toure
Toure is one of the things Barca has needed for a long time, a 6'3 holding defensive mid
who has the ball control skill to distribute up front to Xavi and Iniesta but also the power to hold off advancing CFs. His dominance over Didier Drogba in the semi-final is a big reason Barca got through.
Veteran who will come trough for Man. United: Rio Ferdinand
At the ago of 30, he's still considered one of the elite CB in the world. His injury problems are unlikely to keep him out and Fergie is confident that his long time defender and captain will fit perfectly against Barcelona. His partnership with Vidic makes them one of the most unbreakable back lines in all of European football.
x-factor for Man United: C.Tevez
Tevez may be playing his last game for United, but expect him to provide his high workrate to the game and prove his value to the scouts looking at the game. He has a way of popping up in the right place at the right time, and could be the replacement off the bench for Rooney.
Official ball: Adidas 2009 Roma Finale
Main
Main Referee: Swiss referee Massimo Busacca
======================================== =============
Key in-form player for Man United: C.Ronaldo
Not as deadly this season as last year, he's still lead United to another record year and is the reigning World Player of the Year. His goal scoring record puts him near the top of the Premiership, expect to see him man marked throughout the game with a shadow RB/LB for cover.
Key in form player for Barcelona: L.Messi
The quick Argentinian is coming off a high winning the Copa Del Rey in Spain, and is certainly looking to make his case for being the best player in the world after having a ?150 million transfer price stuck no his head. Sir Alex Ferguson himself admitted there is little to differentiate Messi and Ronaldo, making it a intriguing matchup.
======================================== ===
Veteran who will come through for Barca: T.Henry
Henry has been often questioned for moving to Barca by the Arsenal faithful and he is clearly at the end of his career. Still, he was at one time a feared striker and Manchester knows well enough just how dangerous he is if left unmarked. Even if he no longer posesses the blistering pace, his experience will ensure that he is often double teamed leaving a man open for him to distribute the ball to. He should be able to use Eto'o's (sp?) speed to his advantage, releasing the Cameroon forward to do his sprints with some through balls.
x-factor for Barcelona: Y. Toure
Toure is one of the things Barca has needed for a long time, a 6'3 holding defensive mid
who has the ball control skill to distribute up front to Xavi and Iniesta but also the power to hold off advancing CFs. His dominance over Didier Drogba in the semi-final is a big reason Barca got through.
Veteran who will come trough for Man. United: Rio Ferdinand
At the ago of 30, he's still considered one of the elite CB in the world. His injury problems are unlikely to keep him out and Fergie is confident that his long time defender and captain will fit perfectly against Barcelona. His partnership with Vidic makes them one of the most unbreakable back lines in all of European football.
x-factor for Man United: C.Tevez
Tevez may be playing his last game for United, but expect him to provide his high workrate to the game and prove his value to the scouts looking at the game. He has a way of popping up in the right place at the right time, and could be the replacement off the bench for Rooney.
