Champions League 1/4 Finals 2nd Leg

UNITED INJURY SCARES
Make no mistake about it Manchester United’s European and domestic success now rests on how quickly Vidic and Ferdinand are able to return to the first team. Pique and O’Shea are each capable defenders in their own right, but Sir Alex Ferguson needs his first choice centre-back pairing back in action as soon as possible with Roma, Arsenal, Chelsea and possibly Barcelona on the horizon.

For all United’s vast array of attacking talent the absence of a steady defence behind them will undermine their title aspirations. The two injured centre-backs are mostly responsible for conceding a paltry 17 Premier League goals this season. This remarkable defensive record has been completely overshadowed by the silky skills of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez.

If United are to round off their season without a brace of trophies they will need to maintain their undervalued defensive discipline. Ferdinand & Vidic must return for that to occur or else a season that promised so much will end in failure.


ARSENAL MUST DELIVER
Arsene Wenger needs victory in tonight’s Champions League encounter with Liverpool much more than Rafa Benitez does. While the Gunners look unlikely to lift the Premier crown this season, any success in the Champions League would be viewed as a bonus for a perceived young and in-experienced squad.

That excuse will not wash with Arsenal supporters for much longer though and another barren trophy cabinet at the Emirates at the end of the season will only fuel further unrest. Wenger simply has to invest in further strengthening his squad during the summer break otherwise his side will again fail to the wrestle the Premier League title from the mega-squads of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Arsenal’s domestic form has dropped off alarmingly in recent months through tiredness and with the Premier League title moving further away nothing short of an unexpected victory over the English side most suited to the European knockout competition will suffice this evening.