Champions League

Manchester United would be facing an in form Marseille side to book their place in the quarters even as Alex Ferguson has given a rallying call to the squad to perform or perish as they seek to resurrect a wretched run of form even though they defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the FA Cup. Fergie has clearly observed the dip in the fighting spirit which enabled them to snatch a win many times from the jaws of defeat. With the tie evenly poised at 0-0 following a drab draw at France, Manchester United pretty well know their season would have a disastrous turn come tonight. However Old Trafford is a different set up and Manchester United always ups their game at the Theatre of Dreams.

Marseille: A win too much ?

Marseilles Coach Didier Deschamps fully expects the home side to come attacking and admits that they are the underdogs. However he expects his tricks to play some part in the crucial encounter. An away goal is what they need to put the home side under pressure who then have to win in order to qualify. And Marseille have a strong and powerful squad to do just that. And with former Manchester United player Gabriel heinze in the squad, expect some understanding of the away conditions to be visible in the team.

On paper, a win is too difficult a proposition. But hasn’t football totally made statistics look lopsided? Only time will tell.

Manchester United: Right luck at Right time.

There is no doubt that Manchester United are peaking as well as the injury list looks more encouraging as the season is nearing its business end. With Nani, Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick returning to training, the future looks just bright. A victory over Arsenal could prove to be the perfect tonic before such a crunch game.

Elsewhere, Inter Milan looks set to overcome the first leg deficit when they face the daunting prospect of defeating Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. With a poor home form at the league and the cup and the decision of Louis van Gaal to leave at the end of the summer, Champions League remains the only prospect of silverware for Bayern which has been evident in their stride to glory. And with Bayern thrashing Hamburg 6-0 last week and the return of Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery coupled with the excellent form of Mario Gomez.

A stark difference is Inter Milan who have endured a disappointing draw this weekend with Brescia but president Massimo Moratti has backed his team to overturn the one-goal deficit and reach the quarter-finals.

He said: “We believe we can do it, absolutely. Wesley Sjneider has reiterated the statement by stating that the match is just at the half time.”

Team News: Manchester United welcomes the return of the quartet of Valencia, Owen, Nani and Michael Carrick whereas there is no fresh injury for Marseilles. Inter however would be without the former Bayern centre back Lucio for the tie.

Tags: Alex Ferguson, Champions League, Litmus Test, Manchester United, Marseille, UEFA Champions League