Villareal C.F. vs. Manchester United F.C. - Champs League - 25/11/08 [R]

[Republic of Mancunia]

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5192/villarealxu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



Venue: Estadio El Madrigal
Kick off: 19:45 (UK), 14:45 (EST)
TV: ITV1 (UK), ESPN (USA)
Streams: myp2p (http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=24709&part=sports)


Team news:

Man Utd (from): Foster, Kuszczak, Rafael, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Park, Anderson, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Tevez, Possebon, Gibson, Manucho.

Edwin van der Sar stays at home, rested for this one. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was a possible doubt after going off on Saturday has travelled after training today, as has Darren Fletcher who missed out at Villa Park.

[benni...]

Tevez should start this match, since as soon as Berbatov comes back, he will be on the bench. At least if all the games this season are anything to go by. I would play Evans again, but then again, our defense just had one of its best games this season, so Im not sure if I'd want to ruin that momentum/form. I would like to see Rafael get a shot.

Its probably going to be Anderson and Fletcher in midfield. I believe Carrick has played 90 minutes in all his games [the ones he's started] since returning from injury, apart from one. I think that includes the last England game, but not sure if he was eventually subbed out.

Nani, Park outwide, Tevez Rooney upfront. Im not sure Ronaldo starts, if he does, then with SAF's subs issues Im not sure when or if he will come off.

[SyedZada]

Even though they were thumped by Valladoid , I still would take a draw of this , draw this beat Aalborg with a good margin as a I doubt Villarreal will get a away win at Celtic , even if they did it would be with a small margin.

[Numquam Moribimur]

Both teams only need a draw to move on....I have a feeling its going to be a dull fest.:eek:

[Republic of Mancunia]

Even though they were thumped by Valladoid , I still would take a draw of this , draw this beat Aalborg with a good margin as a I doubt Villarreal will get a away win at Celtic , even if they did it would be with a small margin.

Better still, a score draw. It takes goal difference out of the equation should we end up on the same number of points.

[Invincible]

This one is going to be tough...very tough. Hopefully we play a good central midfield partnership because the last thing we need to be doing is giving the ball away against this team. I also hope Foster gets a start and maybe The Truth will make an appearance.

[johno]

Truth be told ;) I'd start Manucho.

Manucho, Tevez and Rooney up front with Rafael and Evra at FB.

A physical approach against them imo will work well. Fletcher if he's fit, Anderson and maybe Possebon in CM should do the trick. We only need a draw, but I honestly would like to see us try to impose a physical game on this side. Technically, without Scholes and Carrick in the team and with Berbatov and Ronaldo injured - we can't match them. However, physically we can dominate.

[Charleysurf]

Truth be told ;) I'd start Manucho.

Manucho, Tevez and Rooney up front with Rafael and Evra at FB.

A physical approach against them imo will work well. Fletcher if he's fit, Anderson and maybe Possebon in CM should do the trick. We only need a draw, but I honestly would like to see us try to impose a physical game on this side. Technically, without Scholes and Carrick in the team and with Berbatov and Ronaldo injured - we can't match them. However, physically we can dominate.

We don't do "physical" games. If we could do that we wouldn't have lost to that bunch of girls in north London.

[Charleysurf]

I also hope Foster gets a start and maybe The Truth will make an appearance.

I hope for Foster as well but it's probably PIGs "turn" to play.

This freaking rotation policy as regards the goalkeepers is driving me mad. We've been weak defensively this season and we go play musical chairs with the keepers? :mad:

[benni...]

Well last game that VDS rested PIG played iirc, so hopefully its Fosters turn. But then again, maybe SAF wants to give each keeper some CL experience?

Have no clue.

Gary Neville is still injured? Its been a fortnight for sure already...

[Father Ted]

FYI Villareal got thumped 3-0 at home by Valladolid at the weekend, 3-0 down at the half. Rossi and Senna subbed off at half time.

[urbnzy]

Kuszczak gets the nod
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_4545548,00.html

Unfortunately Foster doesn't start.

[Invincible]

I hope for Foster as well but it's probably PIGs "turn" to play.

This freaking rotation policy as regards the goalkeepers is driving me mad. We've been weak defensively this season and we go play musical chairs with the keepers? :mad:

This season has been more about 'rotation' and "keeping players fresh" rather than actually building any continuity, finding out what our best team is or giving anyone a chance to shine.

[Bronaldo]

This season has been more about 'rotation' and "keeping players fresh" rather than actually building any continuity, finding out what our best team is or giving anyone a chance to shine.

you think a fat spanish waiter is running the show at United, now?

[Invincible]

you think a fat spanish waiter is running the show at United, now?

Nah I think a stubbon scotti...nevermind.

[MANUTDGAL]

I do not see any live coverage except for ESPN360 which my computer is not compatible with.....:(:(

[50 Euro]

I believe it's on an obscure channel known as ESPN, maybe you can find a stream...;)

[Dark Savante]

I'm not sure I understand the thinking in this thread thus far.

We're a team in need of some form and a run of good performances, we also need to win this group and not just qualify.

I don't see how this indicates we field a weak team - certainly not out of keeping with what we can actually manage with all injuries considered, at least.

Wayne, Carlitos and a number of others need to sort out their form and game so I don't see where there's an opportunity for The Truth or Welbeck to start. The most 'dramatic' change may well be Rio out and Evans in as the former has injury concerns and Evans is more than equipped to play and play well in this game.

If we go there with a 4-4-2 I expect yet another poor performance. It will also open the floodgates for Rossi to hover in all that space between CB and CM.

Villarreal are a very good side at home and one we've not even scored against yet despite playing them three times now, I'd expect it'd be no less easy for us than it was last time and would hope those who field are up to the task of getting at least a point.

This team really needs to start acting as champions do irrespective of injuries and formations, at the very least they must show the heart and conviction of a team hungry enough to want to do it again. And for the love of Bruce, keep the ball for more than 20 seconds at a time!

[cr7torossi]

I agree with your sentiment DS, but neither have Villareal scored against us in 3 attempts so far.

[Dark Savante]

I agree with your sentiment DS, but neither have Villareal scored against us in 3 attempts so far.

Right now that reflects worse on us than them beings as it's 2 aways and only 1 home match in their favour.