Champions League
2008-12-10 - Manchester United vs AAB Aalborg
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: UEFA Champions League
Wednesday, 10th December 2008 - Kickoff 19:45
Manchester United who have already qualified for the next round face Aalborg in matchday 6.
Manchester United (1st - 2-3-0 7:1)
This game is not quite a "dead match" as a win here would guarantee Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to qualify as group winners and avoid giants such as Barcelona and possibly Juventus in the knockout round.
In the latest press conference, Sir Alex mentions that it’s better to be the group winner, therefore I believe the side he set out will try and win the game.
Alex Ferguson will definitely rest a couple of his players BUT even with his reserve players, I believe Manchester United have what it takes to beat Aalborg at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have currently the meanest defense with only a single goal conceded in 5 games. On the other hand, Aalborg has one of the worst defensive record, conceding 12 goals in 5 games, an average of 2 goals and above in a single game.
Manchester United have not been scoring as many goals as they do compared to previous seasons but they work very hard to give their opponents a tough time.
TEAM NEWS :
Sir Alex will have to face Aalborg without Michael Carrick, Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves while newly named world player of the year, Ronaldo is rated doubtful.
Sir Alex is likely to field a couple of his youngster in this match. Edwin Van Der Saar is expected to be rested and Ben Foster is likely to replace him while Vedic should be replaced by Evans.
Rafeal who started the last two games is likely to start again alongside Ferdinand and O’Shea. In midfield, with Ronaldo being doubtful, Nani should be called upon accompanied by Giggs and Anderson in the heart of midfield and Park Ji Sung on the other flank.
Up front with Rooney set to miss the weekend game against Spurs after picking up his 5th yellow card against Sunderland, I expect Rooney to start and probably partner Carlos Tevez and give Berbatov some rest.
AAB Aalborg (3rd - 1-2-2 7:12)
Aab Aalborg have guaranteed themselves 3rd place ihn the group - and a UEFA Cup place - so this game is only being played for pride for AAB rather than qualification.
Since Allan Kuhn took over in mid October, Aalborg has gone 11 games undefeated and are in a six match winning streak. Surely the winning streak should not continue here as Sir Alex has not lost a home game in Champions League since losing to AC Milan a couple of years back.
The busiest player on the pitch would definitely be the Aalborg keeper and if the Danish side could earn a draw it would be considered a huge shock.
TEAM NEWS :
Kuhn will miss experienced midfielder, Andreas Johansson who is suspended.
THe VERDICT
With Aalborg been poor on the road, I cannot see anything else but a home win but like Chelsea last night, United are giving up almost a 2 goal start, a little too much for my liking.
Although Man Utd are more than capable than covering the handicap the home side might just ease off a bit.
So it's the same advice as last night, if the match remain goalless after the first 30 minutes, and the line drops then Manchester is the team to be with!
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Manchester to winManchester to keep a clean sheet 4/6 (1.67) @ PaddyPower
