Manchester United Vs. Marseille: 2011 Champions League TV Time & Predictions

The 2011 Champions League Round of 16 contest between Manchester United and Marseille is set for February 23 (first leg) and March 15 (second leg) at 20:45 GMT in the UK or 2:45 PM EST in the United States. Sky Sports 1 will provide UK TV coverage for this game; Fox Soccer Channel (FSC) will provide U.S. TV coverage. Manchester United was the winner of Group C with 14 points; Marseille finished a close second to Chelsea in Group F. This article offers TV time and predictions for the 2011 Champions League R16 clash between Manchester United and Marseille.

1) Manchester United vs. Marseille Head to Head

This 2011 Champions League contest will feature two former Champions League winners in Manchester United and Marseille. Despite both having deep ties with the prestigious event, the two teams have rarely faced. The last time Manchester United and Marseille met in this competition was in the group stage of the 1999-2000 Champions League; Marseille narrowly won that contest 1-0. There is no clear historical edge for either team.

2) Wayne Rooney vs. Taye Taiwo

The highly anticipated match-up pits famed striker Wayne Rooney against star defender Taye Taiwo. Rooney, who has scored 95+ goals for Manchester United, is known for his terrific work rate. The English star is a big goal-scoring threat in and near the penalty area. Rooney has struggled slightly this year, however. Through 17 contested EPL games, the striker has only scored 5 goals though he does contribute 9 assists. Taye Taiwo, on the other hand, has been his team's best defensive player this season. Under his leadership, Marseille's defense has kept its opponents to 1 goal or less in 16 of its last 17 games.

3) Manchester United vs. Marseille 2011 Preview

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It is safe to say that Manchester United has lost quite a bit of its aura of invincibility, following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. While the team still has loads of talent, its opponents do not feel as threatened as they were 2-3 years ago. In fact, it would not be a big surprise to most people if Marseille managed to eliminate the 2008 champion from this year's Champions League. Ligue 1 teams have enjoyed a lot of successes in this competition the last couple of years. Marseille will look to build on those successes by giving Manchester United an early exit.

In term of form, both teams enter this 2-game contest playing decent football. Manchester United has won 6 of its last 7 games, while Marseille is on a 5-game unbeaten streak. In the current run, United averages over 2 goals a game. Marseille, on the other hand, relies mostly on its defense to win games. The French champion has allowed one goal or less in 16 of its last 17 games, including 9 clean sheets. The last English club Marseille encountered was Chelsea (in the group stage); the team managed to blank Chelsea for a 1-0 victory.

My prediction for the 2011 Champions League Round of 16 contest between Manchester United and Marseille: Rooney and company defeat Marseille to advance to the quarterfinals. The two games will be will be broadcast in the UK by Sky Sports 1, and in the U.S. by Fox Soccer Channel (FSC).

Reference:
UEFA.COM