Forever United

The biggest match of the season so far, so much is the hype and anticipation around this match that it would be really surprising if it really lived upto the expectations. True Inter and United are No 1 in respective leagues with similar number of points(creepy!!), you would expect fireworks right from the word go. But i just feel differently. Inter will be keen to make sure they get to a good start and wont be surprising to find if they start a little defensively, same can be expected of United. It can be noted that San Siro has not been a happy hunting ground for United, so Ferguson would be happy to get a point.

United will have to really play well if they need to win here, esp now that their defense seems to have some trouble. Vidic is suspended,Brown, Neville injured and now after Blackburn game Evans is also injured it seems. A clean sheet here and the tie could very much be ours. There has been a lot of talk about Ibra, that he is the best and all..really..Ibra has a habit of not performing in the crunch games so how does he be the best?? he is talented no doubt but there is a long long way to go if he is to be the best.

United will look to attack the flanks, esp with Ronaldo and Evra teaming up. Both are quick and can cause any defense trouble. The Evra vs Maicon battle will be very interesting as both play very similar games. Inter on the other hand will have a very deadly combination in the form of Adriano and Ibrahimovic, both on their day can tear open any defense. But the question is can they perform? Both have crumbled under pressure in the past, and playing United anywhere can create pressure, so much that the best of best players have been humbled and made to look like kids. Cambiasso will be key for Inter just as Scholes will be for United. Scholes is in really good form, the kind of passing he has brought with him is unmatched and he will be key if United have to get anything from Italy.

Inter has not been in really stunning form when it comes to Champions League football. Inter Milan have the worst record of the 16 teams that qualified, earning only eight points in the group stages. The last time Inter faced English opposition they lost. Manchester United have lost only once to an Italian opposition in last 8 meetings. Also United have the joint best defensive record this year in the competition along with Juventus - with only three goals conceded. Manchester United have been unbeaten in their last 19 Champions League games.

There is no doubt whatsoever that this tie is going to be a cracker over both the legs, but i have a feeling that this might just be decided after the 1st leg.

My Prediction: Inter 0-1 Manchester United