Match Preview: Do or Die

Uefa Champions League – Manchester United vs Bayern Munich  (1 – 2) Wednesday 7th April, 2010, Kick Off: 19:45 BST

Trailing Chelsea at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League and trailing Bayern Munich going into tonight’s second leg, it really is hit or bust for the champions. Bayern arrive at Old Trafford hoping to protect their 2–1 lead from the first leg thanks to a last gasp Ivica Olic winner which was a kick in the teeth for the Reds. However, Rooney’s crucial away goal could prove decisive.

With United’s number 10 unlikely to feature the pressure will rest on the shoulders of Dimitar Berbatov once again. He proved against Bolton a few weeks ago that he can effectively lead the United front line, but can he pull it off in such a key game in United’s season? He failed to do so against Chelsea, but neither did United.

On the other hand, Fergie may decide to go with the wonderkid that burst onto the scene last season with his crucial last minute winner against Villa – Kiko Macheda. The ‘youngster’ (who looks double his age!) will be keen to add to his tally after scoring what turned out to be a late consolation against Chelsea. He has been tormented with injury for most of the season, but when fit, the hot, Italian prospect sure does have an eye for goal and has proved in his short United career that he can cut it in the big games when United need it most.

On the injury front for Bayern, Arjen Robben looks set to return after sitting out the crucial 2-1 win over fellow champion chasing Schalke at the weekend. The dutchman’s pace along with his wing partner Frank Ribery will no doubt be a cause for concern for Ferguson, who has to decide between the experienced yet leggy Gary Neville or the immature Rafael. Neville did a professional job on ex FIFA World Player of the Year winner Ronaldinho in the last round, but Ribery who scored Bayern’s equaliser in the first leg is a completely different kettle of fish and whoever Sir Alex chooses will have a tough test keeping the Frenchman quiet.

The midfield battle will be key in terms of the victors of this match. Sir Alex will probably go with his tried and trusted 4-5-1 formation with Fletcher, Carrick and possibly Scholes in the centre and then Nani on one flank with either Valencia, Park or Giggs on the other. Fletcher and Carrick especially need to cut off the supply given to Van Bommel as he ran the show in the first leg. Sebastion Schweinsteiger is also set to return for Bayern and can also be a danger.

Although Bayern dominated for large periods and ultimately deserved their victory in the first encounter, it was clear to see that their two central defenders Demichelis and Van Buyten struggled with the threat of Wayne Rooney and although Berbatov isn’t as energetic and explosive as Rooney, he will still cause them problems.

It’s simply do or die for United and their season, who will struggle without Rooney, as always the case. However, knowing Fergie and his mind games along with Rooney’s ever willingness to play, don’t be surprised if we see United’s hitman take to the field at some stage to help spur on his team to a Semi final encounter with either Bordeaux or Lyon.

Prediction: United 2-1 Bayern (United to win in extra-time)