Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Manchester United v Schalke: match preview

Read a full match preview of the Champions League semi-final second leg between Manchester United and Schalke at Old Trafford on Wednesday May 4 2011, kick-off 19.45 BST.

Manchester United match preview: Sir Alex Ferguson

Wednesday, May 4

Manchester United v Schalke
Old Trafford

TV: ITV1

Key battles

John O'Shea v Jose Manuel Jurado: Schalke's best hope of getting the two goals they need will come from spreading play to the flanks and using the pace of Jurado and Jefferson Farfan. O'Shea is not a marauding right-back like Fabio or Rafael, though, and will be content to sit back, forcing Jurado into a more central area, where Michael Carrick can come in and clear up.

Antonio Valencia v Hans Sarpei: Is Sarpei the worst full-back ever to grace a Champions League semi-final?


On the evidence of his first-leg performance, possibly. He couldn't help his lack of pace - he is 34 - but his positioning was poor throughout, playing Javier Hernandez onside for United's first goal. Unless he ups his game, Valencia will have a very enjoyable evening indeed.

Dimitar Berbatov v Michael Owen: Two strikers desperate to prove a point. Both Berbatov and Owen will look to attack the penalty area in search of chances, but if they take up similar positions they will end up getting in each other's way. One of them, probably Berbatov, will have to drift wider for the greater good.

Man in charge

Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Stat

28 Schalke have received more yellow cards and committed more fouls (183) than any other team in the competition.

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