UEFA Champions League preview and live discussion: The Final

Dmac · 05-18-2009, 11:24 AM

UEFA Champions League preview and live discussion: The Final

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The 2009 UEFA Champions League Final will be the 54th final of the UEFA Champions League football tournament and the 17th final under the current format. The final is to be played at the 72,698-capacity Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the home of Roma and Lazio, on 27 May 2009, for the fourth time following 1977, 1984 and 1996.

The match will be contested by Barcelona and holders Manchester United, who are the first defending champions to reach the final since Juventus in 1997, and will be looking to be the first team to retain the European Cup since Milan in 1990. This is the fifth year in a row in which the final involves at least one English team.

Okay so we are only 10 days away from it now, you all know the drill.

Bigpapa42 · 05-18-2009, 11:25 AM

With Arsenal out, I'm going to have to throw my support behind Barcelona. Took the afternoon off of work so I could watch it. Couldn't take the whole day, as I traditionally do, but at least I'll get to watch it live.

Dmac · 05-18-2009, 11:27 AM

I can't blame you at all, football is more important than work.
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Tommy Platinum · 05-18-2009, 11:32 AM

It is indeed.

I have an exam the morning after this which is a blow...

Anyway, I predict a very good game in this one. I don't see us winning but that is nothing to do with the game itself, more just that two in a row would be too good to be true. Looking at the likely lineups, I think we should be favourites, as we are a more balanced team, especially with their absentees which will affect them more than the absence of Fletcher. They could be exposed in wide areas.

I'm already excited. I'll definitely be more nervous about this than the exam.

Flash_Back · 05-18-2009, 12:20 PM

I'm also supporting Barcelona, Love watching them play and hope both teams can put on a real footballing masterclass for the world. Really just hoping it isn't a disappointing final.

Dmac · 05-18-2009, 12:21 PM

It can be the most boring game this year for all I care, as long as Barca win.

PeaceSells · 05-18-2009, 12:29 PM

The way it's being bigged up, it's nearly guaranteed to be a let-down lol. Hope I'm wrong though.

But yeah, I reckon United are going to win it.

I think our attacking line-up will be able to expose their defence, whilst theirs should struggle against ours.

Basically Fletcher is a big miss though. His work rate in the centre is unrivalled, and he protects our back four so much.

Tommy Platinum · 05-18-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PS
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The way it's being bigged up, it's nearly guaranteed to be a let-down lol. Hope I'm wrong though.

But yeah, I reckon United are going to win it.

I think our attacking line-up will be able to expose their defence, whilst theirs should struggle against ours.

Basically Fletcher is a big miss though. His work rate in the centre is unrivalled, and he protects our back four so much.

Very true, and I wasn't playing down his absence, it's just that the lack of Barca's first choice full-backs outweighs it considering what they're up against.

My team would be:

---------------Van Der Sar-------------------
O'Shea-----Ferdinand------ -Vidic---------Evra
---------Carrick-----------Anderson-----------
-------------------Giggs----------------------
-----Park-------------------------Rooney-----
------------------Ronaldo---------------------

Yes, Fletch will be a big loss, but that midfield has enough about it to contain them imo. Anderson is finishing the season strongly and is a great physical presence in the midfield, while Carrick's defensive contributions are underrated. He's such an unsung hero for us.

That front three worked to devastating effect against Arsenal, and could expose Barca considering their suspensions.

Flash_Back · 05-18-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PS
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Basically Fletcher is a big miss though. His work rate in the centre is unrivalled, and he protects our back four so much.

It's quite funny seeing a United fan saying that considering the years of hatred and trying to sell him on Ebay etc... Nice to see he has got some recognition, as he has had a good season.

I think Barcelona's defence will be the key factor in the match which is why I see United winning it also.

Tommy Platinum · 05-18-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash_Back
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It's quite funny seeing a United fan saying that considering the years of hatred and trying to sell him on Ebay etc... Nice to see he has got some recognition, as he has had a good season.

I think Barcelona's defence will be the key factor in the match which is why I see United winning it also.

I was one of those who criticised him, but the fact of the matter is that he's one of the most improved players in the league. Over the last few seasons he has gone from strength to strength, putting in many match winning displays and rising to the challenge in the biggest of big games. Heartbreak for him that he won't be in Rome. Such a miscarriage of justice.

United fans are famously impatient and pessimistic lol.

UEFA Champions League preview and live discussion: The Final

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