Manchester United face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena this evening for a place in the Champions League semi-final. Here are three key battles to look out for.
1) Mandzukic vs Vidic
Both players are exceptional in the air and it will be intriguing to see who wins the aerial battle. Neither are particularly quick, both like to throw their weight around and I am guessing that the two will be more than happy to square up to each other this evening.
The Croatia international has scored 19 goals this season between the Bundesliga and Champions League, while Vidic has averaged 10.3 clearances, 1.8 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per game.
2) Kroos vs Carrick
The battle of the middle could ultimately decide the result of the game. Both Kroos and Carrick are players who like to break up opposition attacks but their main asset is their passing. They are their side’s dictator and both spray balls around the pitch like it’s nothing. The two could even be midfield partners next season.
Carrick has completed 88% of his passes this season, while Kroos as met his intended target 93% of the time.
3) Rooney vs Lahm
It’s likely that Lahm will be sitting in the holding slot in midfield, and Rooney will be leading the United attack. The forward likes to drop back into the midfield to try and make things happen, and it will be up to Lahm – one of the most experience players in Europe – to stop him.