Champions League: Manchester United v Barcelona, preview and odds

Champions League: Manchester United v Barcelona, preview and odds After a goalless draw in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final game, it's time for Manchester United to welcome Barcelona in the all-important second leg. Right away we take a look at the betting odds offered on the second leg semi-final by the U.K. licensed online bookmaker Bet365 to find that Manchester United are a big favourite to make the final of the Champions League all British. The odds on Manchester United to win the second leg are currently sitting at 1/1 (2.00) at Bet365, while Barcelona are a big underdog with odds to win the semi-final game at 3/1 (4.00), with 9/4 (3.25) for a draw in regular time.

Unfortunately for the fans of the Red Devils, Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic both suffered injuries during the 2-1 loss against Chelsea in the Premiership game on Saturday, and both players are doubtful for the Champions League semi-final second leg game against Barcelona, after missing practice on Monday. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is still hoping that they would be available for the important game, but at this time it's uncertain. Wayne Rooney left the Premiership game with a hip problem after scoring and Ferguson said Rooney was suffering with the same "very painful" hip knock which he suffered a week earlier at Blackburn. He also said that center-back Nemanja Vidic had to have stitches under his lip after losing a tooth in the accidental clash with Didier Drogba's knee on Saturday. Also, Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Patrice Evra would have to be extra careful, as they will be suspended if they receive a yellow card during the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Meanwhile F.C. Barcelona will welcome back captain Carlos Puyol, who was sidelined for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with suspension and will replace the suspended Rafael Marquez in defence. Barcelona's midfielder Yaya Toure is questionable for the second leg, after suffering an ankle injury. For FC Barcelona Lionel Messi, Yaya Toure and Gabriel Milito will have to avoid getting a yellow or they'll be suspended.

After the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, FC Barcelona and Manchester United have met eight times in a European club competition and remain locked in a draw. Manchester United have won two games, Barcelona also won two and the remaining four have ended in a draw, but Barca still leads with 15-13 goal difference. Barcelona and Manchester United are both unbeaten this Champions League season.

The UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg game Manchester United v Barcelona will start at 19:45 BST on Tuesday at Old Trafford and in the U.K. could be seen live on ITV1. You can bet live on the Manchester United v Barcelona online at Bet365.

Published on 04/28/2008