With four big Finals looming and four massive prizes at stake, there is no margin for error in what is a big footballing weekend. All four ties are bigger than each other in their own way, but the mouth-watering tie that most people are eagerly awaiting is the Champions League final at Wembley.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
One of the best attacking sides of all time, Barcelona, will be looking to repeat the success of 2009 by again overcoming a tough encounter with English Champions Manchester United.
United have not been at their best this season but still managed to win the Premier League by 9 points, and at the same time secure a record-breaking 19th league title. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will need to improve their luck in London, having won just one of their league games in the capital this season. United lost away to Arsenal and Chelsea and could only manage a draw on their trips to Tottenham and Fulham. The only league victory in London saw United forced to come from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2, so the omens in that respect are not good.
But even against arguably the best attacking side in the world Manchester United can never be written off. Not only do they possess quality players such as Javier Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic, but their winning mentality and never say die attitude has helped them achieve so much success and gives them a great chance at Wembley. Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar will also be playing in his final game for United before retirement, and a victory would be a fitting end to the career of a goalkeeping great.
It doesn’t get much tougher than a game against Barcelona, a squad filled with immense talent and a side that we are all running out of superlatives to describe…yes they really are that good! The Spanish giants also possess one of the greatest footballing talents of our generation in Lionel Messi, who can change a game in the blink of an eye, so United will not be able to take their eye of the ball for a second if they are to have a chance in this one. The style of football played by Barcelona is simply a joy to watch and they will certainly be difficult to stop. But if the world class Vidic and the rest of the Manchester United defence can stay strong, the Spanish side can be beaten.
It is such a hard game to call. It could go all the way to penalties or Barcelona could run away with it by netting some quickfire goals. The first goal is likely to prove key and if United can get an early goal they would be confident of defending the lead. But they will have to be very careful because an early Barcelona goal could see the Catalan side run riot and go on a goalscoring spree. It will certainly be a dramatic contest and both sides would be worthy holders of the title ‘best team in Europe’.
PREDICTION
There are likely to be plenty goals on show and I think Gerard Pique can come back to haunt his former club by getting himself on the scoresheet in a narrow 3-2 victory for Barcelona at Wembley.
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