The United boss believes there will be an all-English Champions League final for the second successive year...
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he believes Chelsea will knock out Barcelona and book themselves a spot in the Champions League final.
The two clubs drew 0-0 in the Camp Nou in the first leg of their semi-final and will now go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in the return leg.
Whilst home advantage may favour Guus Hiddink’s men, they will be fearful of Barcelona’s stunning 6-2 demolition of Real Madrid on Saturday night, and the knowledge that a score draw will be enough to see the Catalan side through.
However, speaking to The Observer, Ferguson insisted that he believed Chelsea would progress and pointed to the absence of Barcelona defenders Carlos Puyol and Rafael Marquez as a key factor in the tie.
“I think Chelsea will go through now, they are in the driving seat," he said.
“Barcelona are a dangerous side at home, but the loss of those two defenders makes them
vulnerable for the away leg.”
Of course, either Manchester United or Arsenal will await the winners of the tie, with the Premier League rivals due to meet at the Emirates on Tuesday.
A John O’Shea goal gives United a slender lead in the tie, but Ferguson warned that the game was far from over.
“I wouldn't care who we played [in the final],” he explained.
“We're not there ourselves yet. If we get to the final I'll be happy.”
Gill Clark, Goal.com
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