On the face of it, spectators will be treated to a footballing feast when Barcelona take on Manchester United in the Champions League final on Saturday at Wembley but will it be as straightforward as the betting suggests? Here is a look ahead to the showpiece finale.
All and sundry are extolling the footballing virtues of the Catalan giants and it is no surprise to see them installed as the favourites to win the match in 90 minutes, although it is subjective whether Evens is a true reflection of their chances.
United have seemingly not been at their imperious best this season but that has not stopped the Red Devils from securing a record 19th domestic league title, while also progressing to their third Champions League final in four seasons.
There will obviously be those who believe that 11/4 on a United win is too big a price to miss (with the draw on offer at 12/5) and it certainly offers value for a side that time and time again proved its resilience this season to come up with the goods when it mattered.
United of course are the only unbeaten side in the Champions League this season with nine wins and three draws, while they boast the best defence having conceded just four goals – and none away from home (United 16/5 to keep a clean sheet).
Javier Hernandez (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer, 7/4 Anytime) has proved a sensational bargain buy last summer and is forming an impressive understanding with Wayne Rooney, who has been steadily getting back to his better form.
And there are plenty of other weapons for Sir Alex Ferguson to certainly offer a viable threat to a Barcelona victory.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men are not widely regarded as the best side in the world without good reason – although maybe suggestions they are the best ever is a little premature.
The Blaugrana also boast the best player on the planet in Lionel Messi and he has been nigh-on impossible to stop this season, leading the Champions League scoring charts with 11 goals and looks set to become the first person to do that for three consecutive seasons.
The Argentina ace’s exploits are reflected in the betting as he is the 7/2 favourite to score the first/last goal and 4/5 to find the net at anytime, while Barca can be backed at 2/1 to win with Messi on the scoresheet.
United’s defence, which coincidentally has not performed as well on the road domestically, will undoubtedly be tested as Barca are the leading scorers as a team with 27 goals and the midfield will be needed to stifle the artists in the shape of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, as they try to restrict the supply line to the forward trio.
Possession is key to either side’s chances and Saturday’s protagonists are the top two in the competition with Barca controlling 62% of their games and United 58%.
United know all too well what Barca are capable of having lost 2-0 in Rome in 2009 and may well try to attack the Catalans more than they did on that fateful night.
The Premier League champions are more than capable of scoring and the thinking is there will be goals on offer on Saturday (Over 2.5 available at 5/4) but Barcelona look set to emulate their win of 1992 and win at Wembley once more.
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