Manchester United, Manchester City and Stoke City all face tough opposition in the Europa League tonight. What will the games tell us?
Ajax v Manchester United is on Channel 5 from 6pm; Porto v Manchester City on ITV from 7.45pm; Stoke City v Valencia is on ESPN from 8pm.
Can Manchester City prove their European doubters wrong?
City were unfairly criticised last Autumn when they crashed out of the Champions League. Seeded fourth they were drawn in the toughest group, along with Bayern Munich, Villareal and Napoli.
Despite this they gained a creditable 10 points, which is usually the benchmark for any team wishing to qualify. Unlike rivals United, who underperformed their ranking in an easy group, City overachieved in a tough group, and were unlucky not to progress. They have a chance in this two-legged tie against Europa League holders Porto to show just how strong they are, and will look for a vital away goal and aim for at least a draw.
Will Roberto Mancini stick with his attacking game?
Last year City were picked apart by neutrals who disliked their negative approach to big games, even at home, being satisfied with a 0-0 draw. This year they have been transformed, with defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong regularly left out, and are the league’s highest scorers.
So will Mancini stick with the same approach, or will a more cautious tactical battle be played out, as so often is in these first-legged knockout ties. After seeing how exposed Arsenal were in Milan last night, the Italian may revert to his cautious ways.
Was Andy Gray right?
Before he was sacked by Sky Sports for his sexist comments, the outspoken pundit became famed for his assessment of Lionel Messi that he would not be proven as a top player until he showed he can cut it on a cold wet night in Stoke.
Tonight La Liga’s third best team travel to the Britannia, Valencia, and while they have no Messi in their ranks, they boast a host of attacking stars. But it is their defence which is likely to come under the most pressure, from Peter Crouch and the throws of Rory Delap, if selected. Valencia have a terrible away record in England and it may be a famous night for Stoke. Stoke’s form is a concern however, with no wins since early January. Read more on this here.
Will Sir Alex Ferguson go with youth?
Only two players who would be considered youth team graduates have been included in Manchester United’s 20-man squad for their trip to Ajax but they could both play a part. Patrice Evra has been left at home, rested, so the manager has to decide who to play at left-back.
His options include Fabio da Silva, impressive in United’s Champions League run last season, or young Ezekiel Fryers, who played well in the Carling Cup earlier this season. Also in the squad is Paul Pogba, who is highly rated, and while Ferguson says he will take the contest seriously, he would not have included either player if he did not feel they were capable of contributing. It will be interesting to see if either start, or play a role from the bench in Amsterdam.
How good is Christian Eriksen?
Christian Eriksen is rated as the best young Danish star since the Laudrup brothers. He is already valued at more than £20 million and was 20-years-old two days ago. He has been linked with a move to Manchester United, among others, and this showpiece tie is the perfect way for him to display to the world just why he is so highly thought of. It could also push his transfer value up, but Sir Alex Ferguson himself has spoken glowingly of him, saying he is looking forward to seeing him first hand.
For more on Eriksen, read this.
What are you hoping to see from tonight’s Europa League games?
image: © nicksarebi
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