AC Milan v Manchester United

Headshot

TV: Sky Sports 2 19.00 and unfortunately tv3

the utd players that havent travelled to italy are Vidic (injury), Giggs(injury) and Ando(?)

AC Milan could have a few injuries since some of their players came off injured against udinese

so im not sure what the story is there

Formation that I would like to see is

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vds

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raf

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Rio

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Evans

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Evra
Valenica--fletch--scholes--carrick---Nani

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Rooney

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Smegball

Headshot wrote: »

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vds

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raf

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Rio

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Evans

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Evra
Valenica--fletch--scholes--carrick---Nani

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Rooney

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Valencia on bench and Park starting on left with Nani on the right I think.

Fink Goddie

Beckham hatrick!

Paul Tergat

Cannot wait for this un, Cmon United!

Bukman13

I'd expect to see Milan line up like this, depending on injuries.

Dida
Abate--Nesta--Silva--Antonini
Ambrosini--Pirlo
Seedorf
Pato--Boriello--Ronaldinho

As for United, I would agree with the teams already posted , although I'm 50/50 between Valencia and Park.

Prediction: 1-3

Seaneh

Bukman13 wrote: »

I'd expect to see Milan line up like this, depending on injuries.

Dida
Abate--Nesta--Silva--Antonini
Ambrosini--Pirlo
Seedorf
Pato--Boriello--Ronaldinho

As for United, I would agree with the teams already posted , although I'm 50/50 between Valencia and Park.

Prediction: 1-3

United would pull that midfield apart! Only Ambrosini doing the destructive stuff? Never work.

Seedorf for Gattauso or Flamini please.

Seaneh

Probable:

Dida

RB: Abate
LB: Antonini
CB: Nesta
CB: Silva

DM: Pirlo
CM: Ambrosini
CM: Gattauso

RWF: Pato
LWF: Ronaldinho

CF: Huntelaar

Maybe Beckham for Huntelaar and push pato into the centre with beckham wide right, Ronaldinho wide left.

PHB

I was wondering what team you would post Seaneh.

I flatly know nothing about Abate or Antonini. How good are there? If you were to compare them to an English equivilant how good would they be. Sagna and Evra, Luke Young and Bale, what sorta level are there?

How are the midfield's legs? Those 3 players quality are undoubted, but how fit at they? Can Gattuso or Ambrosini play a full 90 minute game running constantly or do they need to be subbed off circa 60 or 70?

Kent Brockman

Utd should win this comfortably over the two legs. AC need to win by at least 2-0 tomorrow if the 2nd leg is to be interesting IMO
Cant see that happening though.

Vokes

Open to correction here, but I think Abate is traditionally a winger and has been converted to FB just this season. So there could be an opportunity there for the ManU left-sided attacker (Nani?) to take advantage of any positional weakness that Abate may have (does he?).

Looking forrward to the Nesta vs Rooney battle - 2 players on top of their game - should be epic.

Bukman13

PHB wrote: »

How are the midfield's legs? Those 3 players quality are undoubted, but how fit at they? Can Gattuso or Ambrosini play a full 90 minute game running constantly or do they need to be subbed off circa 60 or 70?

From what i've seen in recent weeks, the midfield seem to be susceptible to the counter (Which should help United), Against Inter, Milan's midfield were struggling to get back every time they lost the ball, a lot of the time it was 3/4 inter players running straight at the Milan defense.

Even after Sneijder got sent off, Inter still managed to stroll past the midfield playing a high tempo style.

Vokes wrote: »

Open to correction here, but I think Abate is traditionally a winger and has been converted to FB just this season. So there could be an opportunity there for the ManU left-sided attacker (Nani?) to take advantage of any positional weakness that Abate may have (does he?).

Looking forrward to the Nesta vs Rooney battle - 2 players on top of their game - should be epic.

Yea, Abate has been playing a lot at FB this season, he has been found out positionally (Especially against inter).... However he is very good going forward, the games in which him and Beckham played on the right, he was very effective on the overlap.

I think Park may be played on that side to counter this threat. But as you said, it would be a good opportunity for an attacking player to capitalise on his defense.

Bubs101

Seaneh wrote: »

Probable:

Dida

RB: Abate
LB: Antonini
CB: Nesta
CB: Silva

DM: Pirlo
CM: Ambrosini
CM: Gattauso

RWF: Pato
LWF: Ronaldinho

CF: Huntelaar

Maybe Beckham for Huntelaar and push pato into the centre with beckham wide right, Ronaldinho wide left.

Borriello will surely start over Huntelaar?

Headshot

Bubs101 wrote: »

Borriello will surely start over Huntelaar?

supposed to be injured

Bukman13

Bubs101 wrote: »

Borriello will surely start over Huntelaar?

I think Borriello is a doubt.

Edit: Borriello is out.

So it will be Huntelaar or else Pato slipping in and Beckham taking his spot on the right.

Liam O

am really worried about Huntelaar. He has a lot to prove and against a United defense in Rio and Evans that aren't the most physical he could cause problems. Especially if Beckham and Ronaldinho are setting him up.

Mr. Presentable

Vokes wrote: »

Looking forrward to the Nesta vs Rooney battle - 2 players on top of their game - should be epic.

Damp squib. Nesta is 5 years past his best.

Mr. Presentable

Liam O wrote: »

am really worried about Huntelaar. He has a lot to prove and against a United defense in Rio and Evans that aren't the most physical he could cause problems. Especially if Beckham and Ronaldinho are setting him up.

Pato is way more likely to be a problem. Especially in his link-up play with Ronaldinho. However, I have no great admiration for either side defensively, and with great forwards on both sides I expect a 5 goal game - advantage to the visitors.

Liam O

nipplenuts wrote: »

Pato is way more likely to be a problem. Especially in his link-up play with Ronaldinho. However, I have no great admiration for either side defensively, and with great forwards on both sides I expect a 5 goal game - advantage to the visitors.

I have faith in Ferdinand and Evans to deal with anything Pato and Ronaldinho can throw at them I just have a feeling they would struggle against an overly physical striker.

Mikeyt086

Im really worried about Pato. I rate him very highly as i think he can turn a game in a second.

I think we are playing well enough to go through over 2 legs. Im expect Rooney to score in both with counter-attacks, hopefully we see the same team that played Arsenal.

Bubs101

Liam O wrote: »

am really worried about Huntelaar. He has a lot to prove and against a United defense in Rio and Evans that aren't the most physical he could cause problems. Especially if Beckham and Ronaldinho are setting him up.

What Nipplenuts said, Huntelaar has alot to prove because he's been utter crap outside of Holland. Shame Borriello's out because I think he would have been trouble for United. Pato and Dinho will do alot of damage if they can get in behind the midfield and run at the defence

Seaneh

PHB wrote: »

I was wondering what team you would post Seaneh.

I flatly know nothing about Abate or Antonini. How good are there? If you were to compare them to an English equivilant how good would they be. Sagna and Evra, Luke Young and Bale, what sorta level are there?

How are the midfield's legs? Those 3 players quality are undoubted, but how fit at they? Can Gattuso or Ambrosini play a full 90 minute game running constantly or do they need to be subbed off circa 60 or 70?

The midfeilders are as fit now as they were 5 years ago, Ambrosini has gotten better every year for the last 5 years, Gattauso is the same as he ever was, both will last 90 easily if they play, Pirlo isn't a worry at all fitness wise, these players are 30, 32 and 32, not exactly the oldest players on the planet, Nesta is 33 and still one of the best CB's on the planet, infact I'd say he is playing better this year than the season we won the CL (3 years ago?) and with Silva beside him to play the John Terry/ Vidic role he can concentrate on being the covering defender which suits his ability to read the game and play the ball from defence perfectly.

As for Abate and Luca, they are pretty much on the Luke young, Bale level, solid, good going forward (both are converted wingers) but not amazing at the back, but hopefully it won't be too much of an issue.

I wouldn't worry about Huntelaar as a physical threat, if the last year (half at Real and half at Milan) has proven anything it's that he isn't a targetman, he is a poacher (more of a Ruud than a Shearer) and would be relying on getting on the end of crosses rather than out muscling defenders, which, IMHO is a bigger problem for UTD. Ferdinand, is, again, IMHO, a bit of a ball watcher and always has been, without Vidic to attack incoming balls he is a bit lost, and although evans is good in the air he doesn't have the experience yet and is still very naive.

I think UTD are favotites, but depending on which Milan team show up, it could be a very good game.

If the team that spanked Juve show up, I'd fancy them to win at home, if the team that played the derby 3 weeks ago show up, UTD should be comfortable enough.

I still reckon that UTD are afraid of teams who play posession based football and don't know how to play against them, so Milan always have a chance of spanking them.

recylingbin

I think Manchester United have got Milan running scared. What have Milan got to worry Manchester United? Pirlo...no, Pato...no, Beckham...no, Inzaghi...certainly not...

Seaneh

recylingbin wrote: »

I think Manchester United have got Milan running scared. What have Milan got to worry Manchester United? Pirlo...no, Pato...no, Beckham...no, Inzaghi...certainly not...

The fact that UTD are terrible at defending set pieces and Milan are extremely good at attacking them?

The fact that Milan have 3 of the best dead ball specialists of the last 10 years on their team?

The fact that minus one player this is the same midfeild that dominated UTD 3 years ago.

Ronaldinho in the best form he has been in for about 4 years.

Pato... no? You for real? Pato's speed against Ferdinand and Evans would give Furgeson sleepless nights and I garuntee you he is praying that Huntelaar starts and pato is wide right where Evra might be able to keep with him.

Bubs101

I also think that people have gotten used to the idea that Serie A is really far behind La Liga and the Premiership when talking about the two Milan ties but the standard in the premiership has declined so much this season and Fiorentina already spanked Liverpool. The ties will be more competetive than people think

Vokes

nipplenuts wrote: »

Vokes wrote:

Looking forward to the Nesta vs Rooney battle - 2 players on top of their game - should be epic.

Damp squib. Nesta is 5 years past his best.

He has been fantastic this season though despite his age.

gosplan

recylingbin wrote: »

I think Manchester United have got Milan running scared. What have Milan got to worry Manchester United? Pirlo...no, Pato...no, Beckham...no, Inzaghi...certainly not...

Yeah, if only they had Carrick, Berbatov, Owen and Nani.

m@cc@

recylingbin wrote: »

I think Manchester United have got Milan running scared. What have Milan got to worry Manchester United? Pirlo...no, Pato...no, Beckham...no, Inzaghi...certainly not...

Utter tripe. Pato is still one of the hottest prospects in European football. Furthermore, this is a team that beat Real at the Bernabeu. Talk of Milan's demise is premature, they are more than capable of turning over United.

JerryHandbag

Screw it, I'll be optimistic for once....2-1 United

carlop

I think United will win over the two legs. Milan must be still suffering a hangover from the derby. It wasn't so much that they lost, but the manner in which they did it. United have hit some form and should have enough to beat them. However I'm certainly not taking a win for granted.

If Milan's players were all at the peak of their careers, they would have an awesome team. I know that they are not, but much like Giggs and Scholes still turn in the occasional masterclass performance, Ronaldinho, Pirlo and others do still have that level of performance within them.

For Milan to win, they will need these players to put in a performance similar to the ones that won Ronaldinho the CL at Barca and saw Pirlo, Gattuso etc. achieve so much with both Milan and Italy. I don't think this is likely, but it's not impossible.

recylingbin

To all those who responded to my comment:

m@cc@

recylingbin wrote: »

To all those who responded to my comment:

Either that or you're s**** at comedy.

Headshot

recylingbin wrote: »

To all those who responded to my comment:

I dont get it ?

recylingbin

Headshot wrote: »

I dont get it ?

I'm not that surprised tbh.

m@cc@

Headshot wrote: »

I dont get it ?

I think it's some reference to 'over your heads'. As I said, they're s**** at comedy.

Headshot

recylingbin wrote: »

I'm not that surprised tbh.

what ?

edit
never mind i did some searching

m@cc@ wrote: »

I think it's some reference to 'over your heads'. As I said, they're s**** at comedy.

ahhh I blame the lack of sleep

recylingbin

m@cc@ wrote: »

I think it's some reference to 'over your heads'. As I said, they're s**** at comedy.

I don't want to get into a back and forth slagging match with you, suffice to say that displaying your ignorance makes you better than all of us.

m@cc@

recylingbin wrote: »

suffice to say that displaying your ignorance makes you better than all of us.

Jeez, I think there's a few of us who are guilty of ignorance when it comes to your posts. If you ever feel like posting in coherent English, let me know.

Peyton Manning

recylingbin wrote: »

I don't want to get into a back and forth slagging match with you, suffice to say that displaying your ignorance makes you better than all of us.

Well, arent you a treat...

CHD

Bubs101 wrote: »

I also think that people have gotten used to the idea that Serie A is really far behind La Liga and the Premiership when talking about the two Milan ties but the standard in the premiership has declined so much this season and Fiorentina already spanked Liverpool. The ties will be more competetive than people think

Who hasn't spanked Liverpool!

m@cc@

CHD wrote: »

Who hasn't spanked Liverpool!

Chelsea fan slagging off Liverpool in a Man U thread. I like your style. :cool:

CHD

m@cc@ wrote: »

Chelsea fan slagging off Liverpool in a Man U thread. I like your style. :cool:

It is actually a valid enough point.Fiorentina spanking a terrible Liverpool does not mean the EPL has taken a step back. It means Liverpool gave been terrible.

United and Chelsea will knock the Milan's out.

Mitch Connor

will be a tough game for United imo.

Milan are vastly experienced, and certianly have the players to hurt us. Ronaldinho and Pato will be very dangerous in attact. Pirlo might be getting on but he is still a fantastic passer of the ball. There are other players too, like Beckham and Seedorf who are wonderfully intelligent users of the ball.

I think United will be hoping for a score draw tonight - can see us going a defensive 451. any attacking intent will be shown by whether Park starts or not. Personally I am hoping it is Nani and Valencia on the wings. Central midfield of Scholes, Carrick and Fletcher should be able to cover any attacking runs those two make.

Will be interesting to see how we go at RB against Ronaldinho. I'd go Brown, with Evans and Rio in the centre.

Liam O

CHD wrote: »

It is actually a valid enough point.Fiorentina spanking a terrible Liverpool does not mean the EPL has taken a step back. It means Liverpool gave been terrible.

United and Chelsea will knock the Milan's out.

Inter will beat Chelsea

Peyton Manning

Liam O wrote: »

Inter will beat Chelsea

People said the same thing when Inter played Liverpool 2 years ago. Some still had the audacity to say they would knock out United. As far as I can remember, anytime Inter have come up against English opposition, they've been sent packing after some pathetic performances (United in 99, Arsenal in 2003, Liverpool in 2008, United in 2009). So until Inter actually show that they have balls in Europe (and yes, Im aware this season's Inter team is probably better than the previous versions) then Chelsea are overwhelming favourites.

Ush1

Liam O wrote: »

Inter will beat Chelsea

Wouldn't think so. I'd say Chelsea and United will win, United will win fairly comfortably aswell I reckon.

Mitch Connor

Archimedez wrote: »

People said the same thing when Inter played Liverpool 2 years ago. Some still had the audacity to say they would knock out United. As far as I can remember, anytime Inter have come up against English opposition, they've been sent packing after some pathetic performances (United in 99, Arsenal in 2003, Liverpool in 2008, United in 2009). So until Inter actually show that they have balls in Europe (and yes, Im aware this season's Inter team is probably better than the previous versions) then Chelsea are overwhelming favourites.

psh, noob. thought there was a 50 post minimum for this forum...
:P;)

I agree with you, until Inter prove that they are more than just hype, Chelsea have to be favourites.

United dumped them out last season without too much hassle, and that was during United's period of terrible for (Fulham, Liverpool and a few other games)

Spud83

Have to say regardless of the opposition I am always nervous on a Champions League day. Although I am very hopefully we can get a decent result (score draw or better), and be able to finish the tie at Old Trafford.

My team to start...........

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VDS

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-Rafeal---Rio

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Evans----Evra

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Carrick

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Flecther

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Scholes

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-Nani

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Park-

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Rooney

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Can't see anything but a 4-5-1 for this one, and I think there are only really three positions up for grabs in the side, the two wide spots, and right back.

Fergie loves Park for the big games so I have gone for him even though I would prefer Valencia and Nani myself.

Its then Valencia v Nani for the other side. I think Nani will get the call, I think he may offer a little more threat on the break which United will be looking to play on I think. Though I wouldn't be surprised to see Valencia here to offer Rafeal better protection. Of course if Rafeal needs protection Park could be put here during the game, and let us trust Evra to handle the left side.

The wide sports really are tough to call.

As for RB I have gone for Rafeal. I think most people would agree they don't want Neville starting so it comes down to Rafeal v Brown. I can't remember the last time Brown has played right back, so I don't think Fergie is gonna switch him there now.

Prediction: 2-1 United, Rooney and Fletcher to score.

Peyton Manning

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

Prediction: 2-1 United, Rooney and Fletcher to score.

Good shout on Fletch to score. Can see him perhaps popping up with a goal. Might throw a few bob on him too, 20/1 to be first scorer, 17/2 for anytime. Im on a hot streak too, so hopefully its a good omen Either way, expect another big performance from him tonight as usual.

syngindub

i can see scholes getting a goal tonight. maybe not the first but i'm predicting a typical bullet from Mr.Scholes tonight.

Spud83

syngindub wrote: »

i can see scholes getting a goal tonight. maybe not the first but i'm predicting a typical bullet from Mr.Scholes tonight.

I'd say that heavily depends on where he plays. If he is the deepest lying midfielder he won't be scoring unless its some ridiculous lob from the half way line.

If he is to playing ahead of Carrick alongside Fletcher then he will probably get a chance to hit one or two.

My reason with Fletcher is that I think Milan will be paying more attention to Carrick and Scholes and Fletcher could get a few late runs into the box.

Jazzy

1-1 with milan scoring first. Utd will break the jinx and win the tie at old trafford.