Posted on 26 May 2011 at 14:42 PM by
Formex
Man United didn’t turn up for their Champions League final in Rome in 2009 when Barcelona ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. You can bet that they have learnt from the experience and that this year’s Wembley’s final on Saturday night is a much more rewarding encounter.
Unfortunately for the Manchester club there is little doubt that the Spanish champions have improved in the two years that have passed and that on all evidence United have at best maintained their position as the best the Premier League has to offer.
With a handful of World Cup winners in the side Pep Guardiola’s team are playing some of the best football we have ever seen but it must be remembered that they are beatable and that his opposite number Alex Ferguson has crafted a tough side that are lightening quick on the counter-attack. A contrast indeed to the intricate passing that has hallmarked the Catalans and rightly made them a warm order to win the biggest prize in club football.
There is of course all the hype surrounding Barcelona and the danger that we talk ourselves into just expecting them to turn up on the night and play their opponents into the ground with their dizzying array of passing between Xavi, Iniesta and the games outstanding talent Lionel Messi. Perhaps the betting markets reflect that hype.
Barcelona’s progress to the final has not been without blemish. A defeat against Arsenal, trouble in the semi-final against Real Madrid and a record that reads only three victories in six games on the road in the Champions League. United’s away record is also nothing to get too excited about and although playing on English soil, Wembley is hardly a home match.
With Rooney, Hernandez and Valencia all in great form of late and some steel in midfield I'll wager the Reds will go into the final in good shape and with the knowledge that the Spaniards can be beaten. We should be in for a great final which is something of a rarity for major football finals but this time the hopes are high for a match fitting of such an occasion.
Barcelona are worthy favourites and with prices around evens for them to win in 90 minutes they look a fair price but for the value bet a draw has to be the call. The betting recommendation for correct score punters is coverage of 1-1 and 2-2 and this one could go the whole way on a night to relish for football fans across the globe.