United travel to Porto facing a huge task
Rio set to return
By Chris,
April 15 2009
Manchester United face a massive test on Wednesday night as they travel to Portugal for the second-leg of the European Cup quarter-final. The two teams drew 2-2 at Old Trafford – meaning Porto hold the advantage going into Wednesday evening’s much-anticipated clash. No British team has ever won at Estádio do Dragăo.
United must either become the first British team to win away to Porto or claim a high-scoring draw to keep their hopes of retaining the Champions League trophy alive.
The Red Devils were below-par in the first-leg and were caught cold by an ambitious, attacking Porto outfit who currently top Liga Sagres by four points.
The visitors took an early lead before goals from Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez gave United a scarcely deserved lead. Cristiana Rodriguez made it two apiece at the death and set-up an intriguing second-leg.
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will return to the starting line-up after shaking off a groin injury, whilst Anderson and Rafael da Silva are both named in the squad. There's also a place in the squad for teenage sensation Federico Macheda - named as the fourth forward alongside Rooney, Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov.
It's a massive ask for United - tough the bookmakers are confident that the Reds can march through to the final four and price United up at 4/5 to qualify.
Arsenal entertain Villarreal in the other quarter-final following the 1-1 draw last week.