This is from soccerage, maybe it will solve some of your queries
Champions League Preview: Juventus-Manchester United
02/24/2003. AT STAKE:
Boosted by the recovery of almost all of their previously sick players, Juventus will shoot for a payback win over Manchester United when they host the Red Devils on Tuesday evening at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
Despite last week's defeat in Manchester, the Bianconeri still hold a pretty solid second place in the qualifying group D. A win over the Red Devils would mean securing an important advantage over Deportivo La Coruna, who will visit Juve in the next round, and Basel, who were already hammered by Lippi's team with a clear 4-0.
Curiously, the Old Trafford loss was a further confirmation of how healthy and confident the hosts are at the moment. The Bianconeri were expected to be in deep trouble, as almost half of their roster was sidelined with the flu, but following Wes Brown's early goal Juve played a really good match, giving Manchester plenty of problems and going close to a positive result they probably deserved.
Manchester United will be delighted to get themselves back into Champions League action. The European scene has provided a refuge all season from their troubles at home. They have a one hundred percent record in the second phase so far and require only a point against Juventus to ensure qualification for the quarter finals.
What a contrast this is with their domestic position. It seemed that they had managed to turn everything around, but after a couple of poor league draws as well as their exit from the F.A. Cup, the United players must be relishing getting out of the country. At least they will be able to concentrate on football, rather than having to field questions about flying boots and Sven's position as England manager.
They may be travelling to Turin to face a Juventus side that is one of the most resurgent in Europe, but the Reds will certainly not have any fear about the match. For not only did they defeat the same side just six days ago, but they are returning to the scene of their greatest triumph.
The Champions League final may have been in Barcelona in '99, yet it was in the semi-final in Turin that United stamped their mark on the competition. From 2-0 down, they fought back, winning 3-2 after a Roy Keane inspired performance. Ferguson will hope that similar surroundings can give his team a kick start for the run in.
TEAM NEWS:
Only suspended midfielder Tacchinardi and long-term injured skipper Del Piero will be sidelined for the hosts, while Buffon, Iuliano, Thuram, Birindelli, Zambrotta, Salas and Di Vaio, all of whom missed the Old Trafford clash with the flu, will surely be available.
Coach Marcello Lippi is expected to confirm the tactical innovation he introduced a few weeks ago. French David Trezeguet will be the lone man upfront, supported by a 3-man offensive line composed by Di Vaio on the left, Nedved in the middle and Camoranesi on the right.
Man United: Paul Scholes and Wes Brown are definitely out of the clash, and haven't travelled with the squad. Scholes is still struggling with the groin injury he picked up in the tie at Old Trafford, six days ago, while Wes Brown was taken off against Bolton after damaging a hamstring.
Mikael Silvestre is hopeful of returning, but is still nursing an ankle problem. If he does come in he could partner Rio Ferdinand at centre back, or return to his more familiar left back role, with John O'Shea moving inside. Ferguson will need to decide whether to bring in Nicky Butt to strengthen the midfield or to push Ole Solskjaer up alongside Ruud Van Nistelrooy in attack. Butt's rustiness goes against him, but I think he'll bring the tough tackling midfielder back in, and give Giggs a roving role.
CURRENT FORM
Juventus: WDWWLW
Juve's recent form has been looking impressive to say the least. In the Serie A, the Bianconeri collected seven wins and a draw in their last eight outings, scoring nineteen goals and conceding just four. Last week's defeat against Manchester United was just the fourth of the season, not taking into account the Italy Cup, where Lippi always fielded plenty of reserves and even youngsters.
Man United: WWDLWD
The European side of things remains in tact. The draws with Bolton and City have seriously damaged the challenge on the domestic front, but overseas United remain dominant. Juventus may have dominated the possession at Old Trafford, with a weakened side, but the result was just further evidence that this United is the best equipped of the English sides to play the correct way to dominate in Europe. They will adopt a similar style again, and it'll be interesting to see if the Italians attempt something different to combat it.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Juventus: Pavel Nedved.
Without Del Piero, the devastating offensive insertions of the Czech forward seem to be Juve's main offensive weapon. Nedved has been looking great of late, and the Red Devils will find it hard to limit him.
Right winger Mauro Camoranesi could be another key player for the hosts. When the Bianconeri struggle to create chances against well organized defensive lines, such as Manchester's, the right winger often becomes their real go-to-guy, thanks to his ability in dribbling past his adversaries.
Man United: Ryan Giggs
Giggs could be about to get used to the flight to Italy. Inter Milan have confirmed that they are to make a summer approach for the Welshman, and believe that it will be considered. Ferguson refused to comment on the matter, whilst Peter Kenyon is said to have indicated that no decision regarding Giggs has yet been made.
It is a great shame that a player who has represented the club with such distinction over the years, is now regarded by some to be on the scrap heap. Whether Ferguson is of the same opinion is unlikely. Giggs is a player he has nurtured since the age of 12, and their relationship is supposed to be close.
What it may boil down to is Giggs' own opinion of whether it is worth it to remain at the club, where certain fans are showing him so little gratitude. A good performance against Juventus, could turn the tables for him, but could yet harden the resolve of Inter to land their man. To those who suggest Giggs should go, what solution do they have for the left sided position?
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