Fergie predicts 'perfect' semi-final

More from a contributing writer on Sir Alex Ferguson’s expectations of the big match tonight.

Although Sir Alex was quick to highlight that nothing will be decided today he has stipulated that United must not concede an away goal. As things stand you don’t have to go too far back to remember Champions League 2nd Legs where United have built on a poor first home leg and ended up going through, for example Porto most recently and obviously the 98-99 Juventus Semi Final. However it doesn’t take a genius to realise a United win tonight without conceding would be the best possible result. Sir Alex has spoken that he would “be delighted to win 1-0 and take that to the Emirates.” Can anyone honestly say they wouldn’t take that now?

Sir Alex has also been quick to dismiss any element of fatigue within the team as “Having four days’ rest before games is certainly helping us. You saw the energy levels in the second half against Tottenham so there is nothing wrong with the energy. That augurs well for the game but Arsenal are fresh as well so it will be a real tussle.”

“Looking at the tie and the players on view you almost think this is a perfect semi-final. It is full of terrific footballers and both teams play good football and it could be that way. It has an appetising look about it. I hope it is a really good game of football, I hope we play fantastic football and we win.”

Talking about terrific footballers my only personal query will be which of the embarrassment of riches in our final third will get the nod tonight? With Carlito’s impact making such a difference at the weekend will he go for our tenacious Argentinean to give the tie abit of bite or will he stick with Berba our £30m Bulgarian? In my opinion Berbs will start (no surprise there) although I’m pretty sure no matter what happens Tevez won’t spend all night on the bench.

It shouldn’t affect the selection process but you buy a £30m striker for these big games and I believe Fergie will stick to his guns and play him. Tevez on the other hand has had terrific games previously and then been dropped for the following game, 4 goals against Blackburn anyone?

Cheers again Joe Davies.