MasterTacticianValencia is the closest thing to Phil Jones when it comes to marking Ronaldo. He and Rafael also killed Cole and Clichy earlier this season and will be in charge of running counterattacks. Real will press with a high line but that means Welbeck might find a way in behind Arbeloa. Kagawa seems the player most likely to give Ferguson a headache, he may displace Rooney or just completely replace him. Ryan Giggs might be brought in as a narrow left winger to stop Di Maria and United may be forced to let Ronaldo have slightly more freedom. United will threaten from corners(a big advantage of starting Evans) but will limit how many players go forward. This will be a brilliant game, but both teams will stay deeper and try to break, making it slightly dull. Don't expect van Persie to get too many chances because he will be isolated. Hernandez might prove a trump card against the high line but doesn't have enough all-round contribution. A substitute appearance is more likely. Vidic will be left out because he has to be protected from injury but he's already played a role in 5 of their 9 clean sheets this season and has a set piece aerial threat (Real struggle to defend corners) and can fight Ronaldo.
Mourinho has no Casillas (probably doesn't mind that). The back 4 is obvious given Coentrao was excellent in the 1st leg and played in both Clasicos, Varane has been immense, Ramos is the leader and Arbeloa is popular with Mourinho. Modric did his chances no harm at the weekend but Madrid's wingers and Ozil are key to breaking quickly while Alonso and Khedira is a fantastic combination. They will have much more of the ball than in either Clasico, which means the need for Pepe in midfield has evaporated. Rooney struggles defensively in big games so you can bet on Alonso spraying passes wide with large frequency. Also expect Ronaldo to spend lots of time away from his wing (to avoid his 2 man markers, neither of whom can play away from the right.

05.03.2013