UEFA Champions League: Predicting Manchester United's Starting XI vs. Chelsea
Just six days after a pulsating, controversial first leg at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United and Chelsea renew rivalries tomorrow.
The failure to award the Blues what appeared to be a clear penalty means United hold a 1-0 lead and much attention will be devoted to the side selected by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Does he play a five man midfield and try to maintain a clean sheet?
Or will he view attack as the best form of defence and go for a 4-4-2?
Given the success of the system in the first leg, it will be a surprise if he alters the formation, although there may a couple of changes to personnel.
Here's the likely side....
Goalkeeper: Edwin Van Der Sar
1 of 11
A nice straightforward selection for Sir Alex to commence the task.
Van Der Sar was again the epitome of composure of Stamford Bridge, and was sharp enough to make crucial saves when required.
His value seems to be increasing exponentially as he nears retirement.
Another clean sheet Tuesday night will move him one step closer to ending his career on a high, and appearing in a Champions League final a staggering 16 years after his first.
Right Back: John O Shea
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With the injury Rafael sustained at Stamford Bridge likely to rule him out at Old Trafford, O Shea will slot in at right back.
An experienced and versatile campaigner, his inclusion wont weaken the side.
Centre Half: Nemanja Vidic
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There was a certain amount of disconcertment surrounding the first leg as the Serbian behemoth renewed rivalries with the player often thought to be his nemesis.
Torres has caused him problems in the past but United shackled him easily at Stamford Bridge.
He may once have been kryptonite, but Superman appears to have found the antidote.
Centre Half: Rio Ferdinand
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Ferdinand was immense in the first leg, an early intervention to deny Torres laying down his marker for the evening.
As well as contributing defensivly, Ferdinand is also the genesis of much of the teams attacks.
Fully rested after the weekend, Ferdinand will be automatic selection despite his lack of match practice.
Left Back: Patrice Evra
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United are lucky they can even contemplte the Frenchman's selection after the late penalty appeal at Stamford Bridge.
A virtual ever present in the line up, Evra will start at left back.
He had a few testing moments at Stamford Bridge but Bosingwa's poor delivery meant he escpaed unscathed.
He'll be hoping for a quieter evening at Old Trafford.
Right Midfield: Antonio Valencia
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It's as if he's never been away.
Despite a six month absence with a horrific ankle injury, the Ecuadorian has slotted seamlessly back into starting line up.
The fact that Nani has been jettisoned from the right wing role in which he was excelling outlines the extent of his recovey.
He also defended dilligently when relocated at right back in the first leg.
Central Midfield: Ryan Giggs
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It doesn’t seem to matter where he is deployed, Giggs still displays class in abundance.
Left back at West Ham to central midfield against Chelsea, the Welshman excelled in both roles.
His composure and distribution will be a key factor in the second leg.
Central Midfield: Michael Carrick
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United's engine room has been largely underwhelming this season, although Carrick did show signs of a return to form against Chelsea.
His omission from the starting eleven against Fulham virtually confirms his inclusion here.
It will be likely to be a more taxing brief this time around however, as Chelsea look to attack and secure an away goal of their own.
Left Midfield: Nani
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Holding a 1-0 lead, United’s may employ a counter attacking strategy and this man will be key to any such venture.
Two assists at the weekend show he’s a man in form, and it will be hard to omit from the starting line up. Park may well feel aggrieved, but Nani deserves his start.
Striker: Wayne Rooney
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His antics against West Ham has earned him a domestic hiatus but Rooney will be back in action on Tuesday evening.
Scorer of the crucial goal at the Bridge, he’ll be looking for another to continue his vein of form and push United one step closer to Wembley.
Striker: Javier Hernandez
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As evidenced by his rest at the weekend, Hernandez is now a crucial component of this this United side.
Leading the line while Rooney buzzes around and always on hand to take whatever chances present themselves, the poacher has been a revelation so far this season.
Another goal here will further boost his burgeoning reputation and may well seal United's passage in the semi finals.
