ManU vs. Milan Champions League preview - battle at the grave of Roma

By: Nathan | April 24th, 2007

Manchester United vs. AC Milan @ Old Trafford - Live on ESPN2 at 2:30pm ET
Lots of history in our first CL semi-final. In 2005 these two squared off in the first knock-out round in a delightful game that was vintage Milan. The vaccilating Premiere League/Serie A frontman Crespo was the only man to score, doing it twice in the twin 1-0 victories. The main difference between the two teams is that inexperienced ManU line-up of that night is now 2 years to the wiser. The wisest of all the men on the pitch come kick-off is liking the same experience vs. youth scenario for Milan. As for recent form Milan is coming off a resounding 3-1 win domestically against Cagliari. One would be wise to take note of the line-ups as Ancellotti rested as many as 9 starters for the big game - Dida being the only maybe as his shoulder is still bothering him, but early signs say he’ll go. ManU has the dynamic duo up front, but a MASH unit in the back. Rio was the latest to limp off at the weekend, looking set to miss both legs of this tie. That makes, Rio, Vidic and Neville out - early look at the back line shows Wes Brown joined in the middle by Heinze and flanked by O’Shea, and either Evra (who appears to be ready) or Darren Fletcher. Fergie will have his work cut out for him in covering for that patchwork unit. As for Milan they are incredibly healthy for this time of the year, with Dida the only question mark. Look for Gilardino to return alone up front and Pippo back to the bench. More news and notes from around the Globe:
* First things first - if you don’t have a ticket, stay the hell home.
* The coach who has faced both team in the CL has his say. Gordon Strachan zeroes in on Kaka as the man to shut down for Red Devil success.
* Gattuso speaks volumes about the English game, “”I really like the atmosphere in England and I think my way is probably more suited to English football than Italy.” Can’t argue with that assesment.
* Fergie gets in his praise for the Legend Paolo - describing his second leg performance in Munich Fergie gushed, “I watched him in the quarter-final against Bayern Munich and he went through the entire 90 minutes without making a tackle, which is an art form itself.”
* If you are a Milan fan this is a must read from the Guardian (via Soccerlens) describing the training techniques at the famed Milan Lab.

so what does this all mean? A treble seeking band of English youngsters vs. the old sages of Milan…my intitial reaction is similar to placing a bet, always be leery of the public sentiment. With ManU still reading about the Roma demolition, Ronaldo snatching 2 personal trophies I can’t help but feel like the Red Devils are due for a fall. Other than the 7-1 game look at their April results: Loss (Roma 2-1), Loss (Portsmouth 2-1), Win (Roma 7-1), Win (Watford ), Win (SheffU), Tie (MiddlesB) - that’s 3-1-2 with 2 of the wins over relegationable teams and one in the game of their lives. Although probably much ado about not much, I can’t shake the feeling a ManU stinker on the horizon. Milan comes in quietly confident as the one issue they have been battling all season, qualification for next year’s CL, has finally calmed as they are comfortably in 4th. The team was rested over the weekend, yet produced a vintage performance that showed a seamless mindset throughout the squad. I can’t say Milan comes out of Old Trafford with an outright win, ahh sure I can - Milan win 2-1.

DO NOT FORGET - UNCLE BOB AND THE OFFSIDE LIVE BLOG

parting thoughts that have nothing to do with the CL. In case you missed the Barca/Getafe game in the Spanish Cup Messi had a beautiful goal, see it here we have a great CL future with the likes of Messi and probably sold Rosina in Italy, lest we forget his happy feet, too bad for him Italy doesn’t have a Maradona for comparison!