| UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United vs Barcelona |
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| Written by Scott Burgess | |||||||
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Monday, 25 May 2009
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 The UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United vs FC Barcelona gets underway, Wednesday May 27, at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico as Man United have a chance to win it for the second straight year. Soccer oddsmakers at BetUS.com have Barcelona as slim +165 moneyline favs over Man United (+160) with the over/under posted at 2.5 goals. Be sure to get your UEFA Champions League Final Manchester United vs FC Barcelona Prediction in now at BetUS.comMan United are fresh off winning the English Premier League title for the second year in a row and now they have a chance at their second straight UEFA title. United are on a record-breaking 25-match unbeaten run in the competition and are aiming to capture their fourth European Champion Clubs' Cup – and, with it, become the first team to retain the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era. United are looking to become the first side to win back-to-back European Cups since Milan, winners in 1989 and 1990. This is the tenth meeting between the sides and the record so far is two wins for Barcelona, three for United and four draws. United's overall record against Spanish clubs is: W10 D16 L11. They have recorded five goalless draws in their last six matches against Spanish opposition. Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t scored in his six previous outings against Spanish sides, the Portuguese international missing an early penalty at the Camp Nou in last season's semi-final first leg. Their top UEFA scorers in this year’s tourney are Dimitar Berbatov (4) and Cristiano Ronaldo (4). In their last 10 matches overall they’ve outscored their opponents 19-4. Barcelona has the offense to match Man United tit for tat as they seek their third UEFA title. Coach Sep Guardiola’s squad is the top scoring unit in the tournament this year with 30 goals in 12 fixtures. They average 2.5 goals a game, most prolific goal output by any team en route to the final since United hit 27 in ten matches in 1998/99, a rate of 2.7 per match. Barcelona's overall record against English clubs is: W20 D17 L15. Given his impressive scoring feats in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona forward Messi has not found the net in ten games against English opponents in the competition. Their top UEFA scorers in this year’s tourney are Lionel Messi (8), Thierry Henry (5) and Sammuel Eto’o leads with 29 goals in La Liga. Striker Henry, who has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season, has been sidelined with a knee injury since the beginning of the month, while influential midfielder Iniesta has been out with a thigh problem picked up a week later. It remains to be seen if the pair, who trained at a slower pace to their team-mates, will now be fit to face United, but the signs are looking more promising and both will travel with the rest of the Barca squad. UEFA Champions League Final Manchester United vs Barcelona When: Wed, May 27, 2009 1:30 PM ET Line: BetUS.com Pick: Barcelona +165 Point-Spreads.com UEFA Champions League Final Manchester United vs Barcelona The Bottom Line: Barcelona are basically playing a home game and will have the majority of fans on their side. They also have Lionel Messi. Go Barcelona! Be sure to get your UEFA Champions League Final Manchester United vs FC Barcelona Prediction in now at BetUS.com and receive a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!                        |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 25 May 2009 ) | |||||||