Although Manchester United have a one goal advantage going into tonight’s second leg against Chelsea the game remains delicately poised. There is already talk in the press of a possible treble for United but this obstacle must be passed before any such talk can be taken seriously.
Having had a relatively poor season playing wise United have picked up in recent weeks and their football has improved significantly. However, they will be well aware that a one goal advantage in the Champions League is by no means decisive. They have only netted 10 goals in nine games in the tournament but, have kept seven clean sheets at the same time. The re-introduction of Rio Ferdinand for the first game was crucial and his experience will be vital tonight.
Meanwhile Chelsea travel to Manchester knowing they have to breach the tightest defence in the tournament at least twice to ensure passage through to the semi-finals. Their big January recruit Fernando Torres remains goalless for his new club but has looked sharper in recent games. It will be interesting to see how Ancelotti lines up against United tonight, Alex and Benayoun have returned from injury which means he has a fully fit squad for the first time this season.
It should be an enthralling game tonight at the Theatre of Dreams. With the other three ties looking all but over this remains the key clash in the last eight. Whoever triumphs tonight should face Schalke in the last four with the possibility of playing against Barcelona or Real Madrid at Wembley in the final.
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