Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

[nastro 1888]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U wee £10 on Rooney 2-2 @ 80/1 for interest.

[dooni66]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U I just have 1 question: in 90 min barca or man utd? :cow

[AJ]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Hi dooni, Is gambling big in Iran ? It's a super close match, no one knows. For me I think United, but perhaps not in 90 minutes

[rleague_punter]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U I cannot wait to watch this game!!!! Last year i backed United to win on penalties @ 11.00 and i cannot seem to find a winner so i am going to have to back draw after 90 mins @ $3.40. Goodluck to both sets of teams and supporters!

[-Loki-]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

have arb'd the outright on Betfair,so am taking a supporters bet here First goal scorer Anderson @ 35.0 Have said all season he'd score in the CL final, so time to put my money where my mouth is. Plus I think Barcas midfield will be open to his runs from deep

Won't happen. Anderson is a terrible player and every time i watch him play he either gives the ball away or makes a horrible pass and seems to order other players around after he commits a bad decision. In his 41 games played, he has not scored for United. He won't tonight either imo.

[Aykay1]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

;1392483']Won't happen. Anderson is a terrible player and every time i watch him play he either gives the ball away or makes a horrible pass and seems to order other players around after he commits a bad decision. In his 41 games played' date=' he has not scored for United. He won't tonight either imo.[/quote'] I disagree, Anderson is a superb player. Watch both legs of the semi against Arsenal and you will see he ran the midfield, especially at home. At 20 years of age he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders of his type in the world in my opinion. You dont have the success Man Utd have had this year with a "terrible" player in midfield.

[Nelly-]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U I guess it will be not decied in normal time.I guess we will see goals but it will be decied in extra time or even penalty's.I hope so. So i guess draw is not bad bet. As for me this game is no bet . Above is only my oppinion if i would have betted on this game then it probably would be like this !

[WoodyTHFC]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Barcelona to win the Champions league 2.08 betfa 10 pts I have thought long and hard about this final and in the end I have gone for Barca to win the trophy, not sure about in normal time but I believe they can win the trophy. Its potentially a brilliant match up of attacking talents like Rooney, Ronaldo against Messi, Henry and Etoo but arguably its how the defence contains them which will be the key. Initially with the injuries and suspensions I thought that gave a big edge to Man Utd but now Im not as sure. Playing Puyol as a right back could actually give a more solid option defensively in that position compared to the more attacking Alves. Even though there have to be questions about barca’s defence on paper, I still think there is one or two about Man Utd on current form. Rio injury concerns I cant see helping them even if he does play. Evra is a LB who I think is good but even as a Spurs fan I have seen little Lennon take him apart at times and if he can then Messi if he does deliver could as well. O’Shea in a back 4 never totally convinces me and even VDS can make the odd error if put under pressure. Also I like the look of Barca’s midfield over Man Utd especially the calls operators of Xavi and Iniestia . I hope it is a final that lives up to expectations but something just tells me that Barca, who can be so awesome when it all clicks might just cause the odd problem for Man Utd and sneak this one. Hope it is a good game either way.

[Caveman]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

I disagree' date=' Anderson is a superb player. Watch both legs of the semi against Arsenal and you will see he ran the midfield, especially at home. At 20 years of age he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders of his type in the world in my opinion. You dont have the success Man Utd have had this year with a "terrible" player in midfield.[/quote'] totally agree, he will be ManU's future, many say he will be "second" scholes, but I think he will be even better in few years, cos he has more abilities. nice catch from Porto by Sir Alex :ok

[Caveman]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

Hi dooni, Is gambling big in Iran ?

off topic, but deserves an answer: Gambling is officially forbidden in Iran since Shah Regime was brought down by revolution 30 years ago. But you find several illegal betting facilities in big towns like Tehran, Shiraz or Ahwaz, focus lies on horse gambling and card games, but betting on international football matches is also possible. Especially Iranians from south, like from big harbours of Persian Gulf like Bandar Abbas, Kish or Qeshm are crazy bettors, Abadanis and Ahwazis are even comparable with Asians...You even find private Casinos run by very rich Iranians, card games are very popular over there, a game called "Hokm" is played in almost every family. But all these activities remain illegal like drinking alcohol, but everybody does it :lol, so owners of such gambling halls have to grease several organs, to stay alive... interesting note, Iranians even seem to be worlds leader in online betting, not surprising me at all, but wow!! http://www.daretogamble.com/2008/07/iran-is-world-leader-in-online-gambling.html

[discodave]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U i think we have nailed this competition so far with most of us believing that this would be the final i didnt think anyone could touch barca but chelsea proved that wrong in the first barca game which was weird with messi not performing seemed unreal that he couldnt/wouldnt perform, for whatever reasoning thats what happened. barca had 70% of the possesion that night with 6 shots on target out of 19 attempts with their three strikers (who i think have scored 90 goals out of barcas 150 odd goals this campaign) not being able to score could of been down to either the chelsea defence, these great players being nervous or even the conspiracy angle which hopefully is the most unlikely one, this 0-0 result didnt reflect the way barca have played this season it doesnt matter how good your defence is when you got the passing ability of this team and the quality of finishing it just seemed a little strange so much possesion for a team who when it mattered have always just stepped up another gear and been able to score at will they have absolutely just sliced thru teams in a way ive not seen many teams ever do, individual players have done it over the years but not too many teams, but this team is different they have been frustrating as well this season by way of just stopping going for more goals when they have banged in 4 or 5 in the first half i think in trying to find the winner tonight the first question must be can barca handle the pressure can their big stars actually do it when it matters most remembering that they coulldnt do it against chelsea for what about 184 minutes but we all know it only takes a second to score a goal and they end up slipping in the back door. because of barcas injuries this now makes utd favourites they have been awesome at the 1-0 this season and that imo makes you almost the best team going, your strikers do their job score that 1 goal and then your defense completes the job why run around when you are playing so much, barca have been defensively superb as well this season but obviously their defence isnt the same becos of injuries and suspensions but the main reason for barcas defence has been the ability of the midfield and strikers to keep the ball guardiola knows man u will only want to score 1 goal tonight i imagine the later the better for man u with fergies first plan just trying to shut barca out while this game is 0-0 fergie will be happiest and quite content, he is too old/experienced to worry about when they score a goal he knows patience could well be the key to tonights game even if its going to penalties he will think he has a better chance than barca seeing thats the way they won it last year i think because ferdinand and vidic are back (although how fit they are could be a bigger question) fergie will believe he can contain this barca attack and hope they can break and get that 1 goal that they are so good at defending but im not to sure man u will be able to get that 1 so important goal, so the way im playing this match tonight is for the 90 mins to end 0-0/no goalscorer then draw in the extra time with barca to win on penalties as three seperate bets just rolling it all over.

[AJ]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

;1392483']Won't happen. Anderson is a terrible player and every time i watch him play he either gives the ball away or makes a horrible pass and seems to order other players around after he commits a bad decision. In his 41 games played' date=' he has not scored for United. He won't tonight either imo.[/quote']

[tgc100969]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U In these one off finals between 2 big clubs I always take both teams to win on penalties at around 9/1. Put 10 on each and it equates to 4/1 for penalties.

[JimmyHarris1980]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U I have to say I don't see this game being the open attacking goal fest many seem to assume. Both sides have great attacking potential but Sir Alex knows that his side hold the upper hand defensively and will surely look to play on this strength. I can see Manchester Utd scoring and if finding themselves in front will retreat into their shell and back themselves to keep Barca at bay (they did this over the two legs of the semi last year and Chelsea very nearly repeated it with similar stifuling tactics last month.) However, you cannot ignore Barcas phenomenal attacking prowess and 97 goals from their front three this season frankly beggers belief, they could easily find a way back into it over the 90. 1 pt Manchester United to win 1-0 @ 8/1 Hills 1 pt Draw 1-1 @ 6/1 General

[andyfmfb]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Im punting on Ando to hit the net 1st aswell, 55s simply too big to turn down!

[blackcrow]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Barcelona (2.85 @ pinnacle) Barcelona -1 (EH) (5.50 @ centrebet) Over 2.5 (2.22 @ pinnacle) Over 3.5 (3.50 @ centrebet) Barcelona 3-1 (26 @ centrebet) Tend to agree with Woody here :ok Great match between the Spanish champs and the English champs with Barcelona to come out with the victory. Much has been said about the attacking trio of Etoo, Henry and especially Messi. Etoo and Henry have the pace to take it to the likes of Evra, O'Shea and Vidic, while Ferdinand, who has some injury concerns, has the pace to match it with them. Apart from Ferdinand, each of the three in the backline have been below par this year, with Vidic in particular, while able to use his physical strength to get the better of players, has been shown up by quick, technical players who can hold him up off the ball -like Torres. Liking the look of Messi to cause plenty for problems to Evra who has not kicked on from his very good season last year while O'Shea has been inconsistent and Henry knows him well enough to do some damage here. In midfield, the centre pairing of Iniesta and Xavi are a class above Carrick and Park / Anderson(?). It is these two who run the show for Barcelona and provide the service for the front three. While Chelsea were able to pack the midfield with the likes of Essien to neutralise their effect in the semi-finals, Man Utd without Fletcher, don't have anyone else of similar ability to do the ssame job. These two should dominate for Barcelona. Barcelona are short at the back and there are concerns if they can handle Rooney and Ronaldo (as it is doubtful the dangerous Tevez will start). However they showed that they can contain Drogba and Anelka who showed that they are probably the best two striking partners in the EPL. While Rooney should be a handful, the moody, inconsistent Berbatov is not a big problem for the defenders while Tevez would be a problem for them as his movement and guile around the park would stretch their defence but he is likely to be on the bench. Barcelona will play their normal attacking game, much like Arsenal does, and they showed, as well as Liverpool, how to beat Man Utd. Looking at Liverpool's thumping of Man Utd at Old Trafford, they pressed them up the park, which Barcelona are capable of doing, as well as getting Torres to be direct with his running, much like Etoo is capable of. They didn't allow much service to Rooney and Ronaldo, so look to Toure and Puyols to have them closely marked. Looking at similar form lines, where Barcelona beat Real 6-2 and Liverpool beat them 4-0, and then Liverpool beat Man Utd 4-1, while in a simplistic way, Barcelona should then beat Man Utd also, the thing is they can, if they watch Liverpool's and Arsenal's game to see how it is done. Man Utd have played well this year, but compared to the previous season, they didn't play as well and quite a few of their games they grinded out, and can they do this again, in a high pressure atmosphere as this final is? Look to Barcelona to be relentless in playing their normal way and they score a comprehesive victory

[Jase82]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

Both teams to score @ 1.83 I can't see this game being played similar to the way Chelsea played against Barcelona. The main aim of every fixture leading up to this game is to make sure you reach the final. Now, both teams have gotten to the final I can't see either team not going for it. We all know the type of football Barcelona play, so Manchester United will look to break the play up as often as possible. Barcelona have a few missings, especially in defence, whilst United miss Fletcher. I'm not sure that is such a big loss for them as I don't think he would have started on Wednesday anyway. Both teams to score seems logical as I think this will be a more open game played between two very offensive minded sides. Tactics won't be such a necessity here, with the winner likely coming through who wants it, and is better prepared on the night. The question is, can Manchester United win the CL for a 2nd time? I think the odds for 1x2 are pretty acurate. I can't pick a winner in 90 minutes.

I'm also adding to this Over 2.5 goals @ 2.21 I don't understand where the logic is behind the pricing up of overs / unders. 1.66 for under 2.5 suggests that the bookies consider this game to be a tight affair, similar to that of Chelsea v Barcelona. Why? Purely because Manchester United are a British team? The difference in odds between Over 2.5 and under 2.5 is far too big for me to ignore. Only one fixture over the last 10 years has ended goal less. Looking back over the previous Champions League history we can see that 7 from the last 11 finals have ended with over 2.5 goals. I don't think that Manchester United are capable of defending similar to Chelsea. Not when you consider the likes of Ronaldo in their side, who goes missing when they don't have posession.

[drawback05]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

Granted its a great final in prospect, but while the bookies arent able to split who is going to lift the trophy - both are available at even money - I think whilst Barcelona have an abundance of attacking options, United have the defensive quality to keep the likes of Messi and Henry quiet.Put it this way, if theres one manager who knows how to keep Henry quiet, its Sir Alex. United will suffer less from stage nerves, having been in the showpiece final last year, while Barca have a rookie manager who are aching to bring back this title to a Spain yearning to replace the EPL at the top of the European tree. UEFA and Platini in particular will be looking for a Spanish win, but at the end of the day Platini is a French bufoon who will do anything to keep the glamour away from the EPL. His wife must have had an affair with a Brit at some point.Anyway, I digress. I feel confident that United will win this game with a bit to spare, Ronaldo,Rooney,Rio will all be on the ball against a Barca team gifted the Semi Final tie by not a Spaniard, A frenchman, An Argentinian but a Norwegian ref. I fully expect Ronaldo to bag a goal, although not necessarily from one of his trademark free kicks but from a set piece header to undo Barca's defence. Then in chasing the game they will leave countless gaps at the back which I reckon will result in the two goal cushion 1 point Manchester United to beat Barcelona by 2 goals 17/2 Sky Bet Then I want the camera to pan in on Platini's angry french face, so I can shout at the screen for him to shove his complaining hypocritical head up his arse, and demand that he urges the delegation panel to give us the World Cup in 2018 rather than vote elsewhere all because he doesnt want the focus of UEFA to be based around one country.

Its a pity that you didn't recall the first half of the tie between Barcelona and Chelsea before posting this rant. Yes, there were 90 minutes played where both Alex and Ballack could have (and should have been) red-carded, so just look at that game again, I have, before coming on with this "oh the football world is against England" clap trap. Also, Thierry Henry's greatest goal was scored against Manchester United, so that nullifies your Sir Alex line. I can't comment on the affair of Platini's wife because I only deal in facts. Try it sometime !

[Aykay1]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

Barcelona v Man Utd - under 2.5 goals @ 1.8 betfair With the attacking talent on offer here many are expecting goals but due to the importance of the game I think it will be low scoring. Barcelona only scored once against Chelsea in two legs and will find Man Utd's defence as tough. Reports suggest that Ferguson will approach this with a similar formation to the one that came away with a win at the Emirates, with Rooney up front on his own, and Tevez/Berbatov on the bench. It didnt stop them scoring 3 times that day but the circumstances of the match allowed them to do that, to a certain extent (a Gibbs slip, a 35 yard free kick and a counter attack).

[Caveman]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U As a deep-rooted Barca supporter I wasn't pleased watching the way team slipped in last moments into the final, and I hope this CL final won't be decided due to one-sided ref mistakes. Duel of two giants, no question, and IMO at the end both teams deserved to be in this final. Several previews are written now in many forums all over this match, particularly over the missing players on both sides. Clearly Barcas' defensive section is weakened with Abidal and above all Alves missing. However I think that the defense axis Toure, Puyol and Pique will make an outstanding job tonight and are able to replace Marquez equivalently. Abidal is not in good form atm, like he was few weeks ago. Only the substitution of Dani by ageing Sylvinho represents IMO a big blow, with his 35 years he is not the world class defender he was several years ago and surely too slow for the fast ManU wingers. With Alves stands and falls the important Barca right side, his well-practiced interaction with Iniesta, Xavi and Messi encouraged Barcas' offensive in nearly each match this season, particularly their famous short passing game. There is no doubt Barca gave up air sovereignty before match even started, everybody saw it against Chelsea, cos too many players are simply inferior to much more physical Englishmen. We won't see many corners reaching penalty zone, they won't try to play high balls. Above all it will be difficult to beat the world class duo Ferdinand/Vidic with set-plays. The loss of Fletcher represents a bigger weakening for ManU than many ppl probably think, he is one of those lads in this team, who are responsible for the aggressive element, a "fighting soldier"! Anderson is expected to replace him, and I think he will do a great job. So it will be very interesting to see, which of two old warhorses Scholes or Giggs move into team. No matter, which way Ferguson decides at the end, it will return a player with solid international experience in this team, which surely isn't a disadvantage in a CL final. For many ppl the main battle is the duel between C.Ronaldo and Messi, however I don't see it in such a way. The most important players are IMO Rooney with ManU and Iniesta with Barca. I don't believe in the fact that Iniestas' start in first team is questionable, think that is a psychological trick from Pep, trying to mislead Sir Alex, but it won't work at all. After his long injury break Andres promoted to linchpin of Barcas' play, even more important than Xavi atm.He is the steering wheel of the team, Messi, Henry and Eto' o are the executors. He finds his counterpart on the opposite side with Rooney, with a similar strong position within the team. IMO Rooney replaces 2 individual players on his own. Not only that he fights everywhere on the pitch though being a striker, especially in the defensive section 90 minutes, it is amazing to see such a young player with born leadership abilities, who carries off his teammates with his apparently unlimited desire to win. He seems to be in very good shape after hard long season and is of course very motivated to win this final, as he stated in several media. It seems idle to argue about the form of individual players, in a CL final you expect from every player to be highly motivated, you expect them to give all possible in at lest 90 mins. Also I am quite sure we won't see spiritless appearances from C. Ronaldo or Eto'o like last weeks, they all play in front of whle world, want to show their outstanding abilities and where on earth could they find a better stage to recommend themselves for future teams or ad/merchandising industry? For me the outcome of the match remains completely open as posted before, however I strongly doubt this match between 2 equal opponents will be decided within the regular playtime. Both, Pep and Ferguson will adjust their teams perfectly and try to benefit from particular alleged weaknesses revealed in last CL matches by their opponents. Both main offensive weapons, Messi on one side, as C. Ronaldo on other will be well neutralized IMO, I doubt that we will see much of them in this match, but there are many absolute world class players in both teams to fill this gaps, so I guess we won't be watching a boring goalless 0:0 final tonight. From all bets the "both to score" option is the best IMO, followed by draw after 90 mins. I believe rather in a 1:1 than a 2:2, however will play both CS with small stakes. About the final winner I can't predict anything, even after repeated regarding of all facts and player losses. That remains pure lottery for me, give both teams 50-50 chance. As I don't see any necessity to stake high in a CL final here summary of my bets: both 2 score @ 1,85 Tipico medium Draw @ 3,30 Tipico small Fun Bets: CS 1:1 @ 6,50 Bet365 CS 2:2 @ 13 Bet365 GL @all ;)

[Dtbaby23]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Man Unt win 2-1 £10 - £100 return :hope:hope:hope :beer

[JackJarvis]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U As much as I would love to see Barcelona win this, I am going to side with my head and back Manchester United this evening. Barcelona deserve to be in the final after coming through a farcial tie against Chelsea. In all honesty, they should have had that game over after the 1st leg and in the end they were lucky to get away with it at Stamford Bridge. 1 shot, 1 goal but yet again it just proves the attacking class of this team really does only need 1 chance at times. Saying that, Messi has failed to score against English sides in 10 previous attempts and I honestly don't think Eto'o and Henry are as good as they were looking at recent performances. Rio Ferdinand is fit this evening and him and Vidic at the back have the class to contain Barcelona in my opinion. I'm sure Fergie will look to pack the midfield when Barcelona have the ball, just as we seen Chelsea do, they made it very hard for Barcelona and United will do the same thing before looking to hit them on the counter. Much has been made of Barcelona's problems at the back and the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney could really cause serious problems this evening. Marquez and Milito are both out injured while Abidal and Dani Alves are suspended, for me, Barcelona look really really vulnerable at the back. My heart wants a lovely footballing team in Barcelona to win this but I simply cannot ignore 7/4 for Manchester United looking on recent performances. They usually find a way to win no matter what and I think they are fantastic value to beat the Spanish giants this evening. Manchester United to beat Barcelona in 90mins - 3pts at 7/4 Everything points to a United victory this evening. I am not too keen on Barca's attacking presence against a proven and solid United defence whereas Barca definetly look vulnerable at the back. Cristiano Ronaldo to score first - 1pt at 13/2 Will be out to prove a point and comes into this game in terrific form. Should have a great time charging against a frail Barcelona defence. Manchester United to win 1-0 - 0.5pt at 8/1 This is the way I see it going, Barcelona doing all the attacking and United hitting them on the counter. Wouldn't be surprised if it was more than 1 but I don't think this game will contain all the goals people seem to think. Nemanja Vidic to score first - 0.5pt at 25/1 Huge threat at set pieces and 25/1 is massive considering Barcelona remain extremely vulnerable at defending corners and freekicks. Outlay: 5pts

[sajtion]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U all of you man utd backers will lose tonight

[bowles10]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U 16pts staked on a variety bets for interest tonight! Champions League Final - Weds 27th May 2009 Manchester Utd v Barcelona Manchester Utd attempt to be the 1st team to retain this now famous trophy. Barcelona might have been a bit fortunate in the semi's but always a sign of a good side is to battle to the final whistle & grind out those results. Thier record in la liga this season has shown a return of 104 league goals, not often seen at that level of football. It is quite fitting that the winners of the Premiership & La Liga do battle in what should be billed as "The Ultimate Cup Final". 2 world class players will be the talking points in Ronaldo & Messi & which one will come out on top. Well, our bookies show that Ronaldo is 6/1 & Messi is 8/1 so you could argue the value is with the Argentinian & his record of 8 goals in 11 games this season in the CL is very impressive. Bet 1: Messi to score 1st @ 8/1 Hills 2pts Defensively united have a solid back line & they must also be feared at set pieces with both Ferdinand & Vidic coming forward & will be the main targets if Ronaldo doesnt shoot! The value would be in Rio to score anytime at 16's with Paddy power. Bet 2: Vidic to score 1st @ 25/1 Bet365 1pt Bet 3: Ferdinand to score anytime @ 16/1 Paddy power 1pt In terms of how the game will go, expect a close game scorewise & at HT, it would be no surprise if its a draw after 45 mins as they get to grips with each other. Bet 4: Draw @ HT 11/10 Paddy Power 5pts Expect that the game could go the distance especially at this stage of the season in their final game. 2 bets interest me rather than picking the winner out, & thats ET & pens. Bet 5: Game to be settled in Extra time @ 11/2 Paddy Power 2pts Bet 6: Game to be settled on Pens @ 5/1 Ladbrokes 2pts Finally, for a bit of interest in that 1st goal, look at times after 60 mins as the prices get better. Bet 7: 61-70 mins @ 16/1 Bet365 1pt Bet 8: 71-80 mins @ 20/1 Bet365 1pt Bet 9: 81-90 mins @ 20/1 Bet365 1pt

[DM99]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U I don't want to repeat the negatives that Barca have going into this match because I have discussed them all before. Barca defensive frailties, vulnerable to corners and in the air, very fortunate vs Chelsea etc. I believe that Man U will win this one. Taking my usual cautious approach I am taking Man U to win @ 2.72 (Betfair) with a saver bet on 1-1 @ 7.4 (Betfair). I can't see a 0-0, and I can't see Barca scoring without a reply from Ferguson's men.

[bagehot]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Like I said at the start I tip United as slight favourites . Tactically this is now a very shrewd United side and having Barcelona struggle the way they did against Chelsea I suspect they'll face similar problems here. That said there's so much talent on the side, they showed it in London. Ferdinand's fitness doesn't trouble me, he was doubtful in Porto and he played very well. Based on recent weeks' performance though there's one bet I'll take and that is Ronaldo to score @3.00. He's been in blistering form and being able to score from set pieces and free kicks I think he stands a fair shot of scoring again here (like he did in last year's final).

[Dumyat]

Re: Champions League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U Barca and MU are both 8/1 to win on PENS with Ladbrokes. Also with Ladbrokes the match is 5/1 to be decided on penalties. Not only do you have to shop around between bookies you have to be careful to pick the correct way to place the bet with offers from the same firm. Bet them both at 8/1 you only get 7/2. A case could be made for anything in this game but 5/1 is worth a chance on a dull draw and then the wonderful shootout - a chance to see multimillionaires cry!

[JimmyHarris1980]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

Its a pity that you didn't recall the first half of the tie between Barcelona and Chelsea before posting this rant. Yes, there were 90 minutes played where both Alex and Ballack could have (and should have been) red-carded, so just look at that game again, I have, before coming on with this "oh the football world is against England" clap trap. Also, Thierry Henry's greatest goal was scored against Manchester United, so that nullifies your Sir Alex line. I can't comment on the affair of Platini's wife because I only deal in facts. Try it sometime !

I'm sure Mr Hickie was only trying to add a little comedy to proceedings, dealing in facts is all well and good but not everything is life has to be taken at face value ;). Agreed Henry did score an incredible goal against Manchester United, but no amount of tactical genius can prevent such moments of outrageous individual skill. Finally, while it will never be possible to provide clear evidence that Platini is deliberately attempting to sabotage English hopes in Europe, his blatant distaste, bordering on jealousy, of English success is there for all to see.

[deeloughran]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U I've watched Barcelona ALOT this season and they are a pleasure to watch but even against small teams in their league and at home they struggle to break teams down that stick 11 men behind the wall and just say 'attack us'. This is why they excel in Europe, every team is expected to come out and attack which Barcelona feeds on and takes advantage by their excellent attacking players such as Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, Eto'o! In recent weeks i've seen Barca without Henry and they are just not the same team. It means that Iniesta usually pushes into the attacking trio and thereby Barca lose an incredible amount in midfield by playing two defensive midfielders such as Abidal and Toure in midfield which means their attacking flow suffers and not many players are pushing forward and they lack much creative spark upfront. Against Chelsea we seen all this in context, Hiddink had obviously done his research, stuck the 11 men behind the ball and said 'attack us' and this worked to a treat 0-0 at Nou Camp, 1-0 up at home after a counter-attack but then Chelsea got too attack-minded and over-confident, starting to push forward instead of trying to just contain Barca which led to them scoring at the very end. Let's look at the misssings; Alves - was absolutely horrible against Chelsea but is still quite a big loss as he gets forward at every occasion playing in others going forward. Marquez - didn't start most matches this season and is quite over-rated player Abidal - Toure is more than an adequate replacement as he has played incredibly well in this position in recent weeks Henry didn't play against Chelsea and if i'm honest was the biggest reason behind Barca not being clinical upfront with most attacks not comprimising of the usual amount of players going forward. Sir Alex knows that Fletcher is a HUGE missing and the most important missing of the match i feel as it is how Ferguson's tactics pan out against teams that play 'better football' than United, just like they did against Inter and Arsenal - Fletcher runs about the midfield pressing every player not allowing them to play their usual flowing football and this works incredibly well (as Chelsea adapted this style aswell). Anderson i feel just isn't a good enough replacement. He isn't as experienced as Fletcher and this could cost United, he is prone to taking on a speculative shot instead of a simple pass - and losing position against a team of Barca's stature can prove costly as just look at the stats of the chelsea game of position (70%!!!). I therefore feel that Barca could overcome United here but will take them to lift the cup instead just incase. Barcelona to lift the cup - 1/1 General

[corvus corax]

Re: Champoins League Final - 27th of May - Barcelona v Man U

I'm sure Mr Hickie was only trying to add a little comedy to proceedings, dealing in facts is all well and good but not everything is life has to be taken at face value ;). Agreed Henry did score an incredible goal against Manchester United, but no amount of tactical genius can prevent such moments of outrageous individual skill. Finally, while it will never be possible to provide clear evidence that Platini is deliberately attempting to sabotage English hopes in Europe, his blatant distaste, bordering on jealousy, of English success is there for all to see.

I just love this English arrogance. English people think they are the best, the smartest, but hey, the whole world is learning english language, so maybe they are right. Let's bomb Platini. I personally hope this will be fair match. And hope that Barca will shout: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.