Manchester United visit Spain in confident mood after their fantatsic displays of total football this season. The first leg of their semi-final is at the Nou Camp where United won the Champions League so dramatically in 1999. It’s going to be a mouthwatering tie. The previous notable clash between the two sides came in that amazing Treble season for United when they faced each other in Group D and both games ended 3-3.

Paul Scholes, Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs featured in that United side while Xavi is the only Barcelona player still around from their 1998-99 team. With the hopes of an all-Premier League final dashed last season, the scene is set for a memorable night when two great English sides will grace the final in Moscow. My take on this is a Manchester United v Liverpool final in the Luzhniki Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best player in the world right now, is leading the race to take all the individual honours this season and he will spice up the game in the Nou Camp, especially with a point to prove to Lionel Messi and Co. The supporting role of Scholes and Giggs will richly benefit United at this stage where maturity and brains play a vital role.

‘I believe United can harm the Catalans in the Nou Camp just like they destroyed AS Roma’s hopes in the first leg in Rome’


On the other side of the coin, Barcelona are locked into all kinds of mishaps on and off pitch so we expect them to play under lots of pressure, with manager Frank Rijkaard really feeling the strain. Their performance in La Liga is fast becoming a serious turn off; the fans are calling for Rijkaard to resign and the absence of former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho – a player who can rise up to any occasion – will be a huge blow for Barcelona's hopes.

But even without the Brazilian, the game showcases the richest of talents – Barcelona have Bojan Krkic, Giovanni and Messi while United can boast Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez.

The other semi-final kicks of 24 hours earlier at Anfield tomorrow night. Liverpool are rightful favourites to go through against Chelsea, based on their European tactical nous and know-how. The two teams will cross paths for the third time in just four years in the Champions League. These games are usually very moody and tense, providing a dull display of football and few goals, including the controversial winner by Luis Garcia that decided the 2005 tie and that Chelsea fans swear to this day never crossed the line.

Liverpool had the advantage for the previous ties as the second and decisive legs were played at Anfield, but this time round it’s vice versa. The big question is: Can Avram Grant do what the Special One failed to do and beat Liverpool in the Champions League or will it be another cheesy ride for Rafa Benitez over the Blues.

This is a tie I believe will be decided by tactics rather than talent.

Avram Grant doesn’t have half the experience and knowledge on such a stage as Benitez, who is far tactically superior at the European game. Even the Special One had to bow to Rafa when the teams met in the Champions League, so I think Grant’s inexperience and tactical inability will hamper Chelsea’s chances of a place in Moscow.

Playing Michael Essien at right back to accommodate the stars in the side is the perfect example of his poor team selection and his tactics have been exposed this season by great thinkers like Wigan boss Steve Bruce and Tottenham's Juande Ramos.

I only see a more severe and punishing test from Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool, who killed off Inter Milan and Arsenal with good organisation and tactical composure. Expect the resurrection of Xabi Alonso, a man who hasn’t been up to his usual high standard this term but who always seems to fancy games against Chelsea. He and Javier Mascherano can dominate the midfield.

Fernando Torres can roam wild into the Chelsea defence, with Steven Gerard playing in the middle and Jermaine Pennant racing down the right flank and providing the ammunition for Peter Crouch and Torres.

Chelsea’s fortunes could rely on the acumen of Michael Ballack and Claude Makelele in midfield and Andriy Schevchenko and Nicolas Anelka – both Champions League winners – up front. Frank Lampard's creativity and goals will be needed more than ever and Liverpool should not give him any space within 30 yards of goal. But with You'll Never Walk Alone ringing around Anfield and the Kop in full voice, I expect Liverpool to outclass Chelsea and win this game.

VERDICT: Liverpool 2 Chelsea 1

Sir Alex Ferguson's side has more than enough quality to get the job done in Barcelona. And with the tactician in Carlos Queiroz, United will play a more European style system to facilitate the experience of Englishman Owen Hargreaves, who scored a stunning free kick against Arsenal in the Premier League recently. With options to look out for on the bench in the shape of Nani, Anderson and Park Ji-Sung, United should have little to worry about.

Ferguson sees this as a great chance to win the Champions League after describing his current side as the best he has ever worked with. United have potential match-winners all over the pitch and any side would fear goal-machine Ronaldo, the never-say-die Tevez and the influential Wayne Rooney. At the back they have the steel of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Then there is the experience of Giggs and Scholes, which could be crucial for the Red Devils. However, when making predictions for great such ties, a note of caution should be taken because anything can happen.

Barcelona, like United, have all the attacking riches and talents in their ranks to beat any football team in the world when they click. Problem is Rafael Márquez and Gianluca Zambrotta have still got a point to prove for the Barca fans at the back – without inspirational captain Carles Puyol, Barcelona look fragile and will get caught by the trademark United counter attacks.

I believe United can harm the Catalans in the Nou Camp just like they destroyed AS Roma’s hopes in the first leg in Rome.

Barca’s chances surely rest on Messi’s artistry and composure for such big games. Samuel Eto’o, Xavi and Andres Iniesta can all be a threat while Thierry Henry, with his knowledge of the English game and blistering speed, will need no incentive to try to spoil the Man United party. However, with the final leg in the Theatre of Dreams, and taking form considerations into account, I see a United away win.

VERDICT: Barcelona 1 Manchester United 2