United get comfy in the box seat after grabbing a deserved draw in Lyon, while Arsenal’s chances of progression look far less favourable after a cagey goalless encounter with Champions Milan at the Emirates. Here’s my thoughts on last night’s Euro action…
Lyon 1 Man United 1
Ferguson opted for an experienced lineup for this leg. He recalled Giggs to the starting eleven and went with just Rooney up front. Hargreaves also returned to get the nod over Carrick who joined Fletcher, Tevez, Nani and Saha on the bench. United were the better side but it took sub Tevez, appearing just after the hour-mark, to pull United level after Benzema had fired Lyon in front.
United are in a decent position in the tie though with the second leg at Old Trafford played on March 4. That follows three days after a trip to Fulham, so you can expect Ferguson to rotate fairly heavily for that game. Most of that rotation shouldn’t concern fantasy managers – Carrick and Hargreaves seem set to swap prior and for European games. Scholes could get rested and Fletcher is sure to get the odd start, possibly out wide with Giggs, Park and Nani also figuring. Despite the emergence of Nani in the last few games, Ronaldo should remain untouchable, although that could change if United progress to the latter rounds. The back four should remain intact, although O’Shea does allow Brown or Evra to get a rest on occasions. The only real concern then wil be the Rooney/Tevez/Saha situation. Ferguson showed here that he isn’t worried about leaving Tevez in reserve and that will spill over into Premiership games as the United fixture list congests further.
Expect Fletcher, Carrick and Tevez to be back in the starting lineup at Newcastle with Giggs almost certain to drop out having picked up a knock in this game. Hargreaves and Anderson also seem set to make way at St James’ Park. As an outside bet – Ferguson could be tempted to hand Saha a start which might, just might, see Rooney rested having lead the line as a lone forward in the last two games.
Arsenal 0 Milan 0
A frustrating night for Wenger’s men – summed up by the late miss from three yards from Adebayor. The team lineup was a show of strength after a bad run of injuries. Only Rosicky and Van Persie were missing from Wenger’s strongest available side. Clichy and Sagna returned at full-back and Flamini came back into the midfield. Toure and Eboue started once again and Adebayor returned to the starting lineup after being benched at Old Trafford.
The crucial second leg falls on March 4, three days after Arsenal host Villa. It’s difficult to predict how Wenger will play that one – much will depend on whether Van Persie is fit enough to be considered, either for the trip to Milan or the home game with Villa. Rosicky should certainly be available. Adebayor could even be rested for the Villa game then, with Bendtner a ready-made replacement. Resting Fabregas is also an option but would certainly be a gamble given that Villa are no mugs away from home.
In the short-term, Toure picked up a calf injury early on and was replaced by Senderos after just 7-minutes. He is reportedly sidelined for 3-4 weeks. Rosicky looks unlikely to return for the weekend so with Eduardo and Eboue suspended, Gilberto, Walcott and Bendtner all come into the equation. Denilson could also be considered – he returned to the bench here after missing three weeks through injury.