Yaya Toure Set to Defend Once More

Barcelona's Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure looks set to be named once again at the central defence for Wednesday's Champions League final meeting with Manchester United in Moscow.

The 26-year-old is usually used in central midfield but injuries and suspensions are expected to see him move into defence as Barcelona seeks a treble-winning end to their season.

His performance in that role in the semi-final second-leg clash with Chelsea impressed manager Pep Guardiola. With defenders Dani Alves and Eric Abidal both ruled out of the game through suspension, and a third defender, Rafael Marquez, injured, Toure will be a vital figure.

Toure also admitted that there is more at stake in the final that simply some silverware, suggesting that winner can truly lay claim to the status of greatest club in the world.

"Everyone is excited about this game because we are the two best teams in the world," he said. "It will be a great game in Rome. It could go either way.

"It will be difficult because Manchester United are a fantastic team - you have to be to win what they have won."

Manchester United's suspended midfielder Darren Fletcher has backed his teammates to successfully defend their Champions League title without him.

The Scot was ruled out of the final at the Stadio Olimpico after his sending-off in the semi-final second-leg victory over Arsenal.

Fletcher was shown a red card after a challenge on Cesc Fabergas during the 3-1 victory and attempts to appeal the decision were rejected by Uefa, who insisted that the referee's decision would stand.

"I will travel but I'll travel as a fan," the Scotland international said. "I'll be like all the rest of the United fans, cheering the lads on, hoping we win the trophy."

Fletcher played for the Premiership champions on Sunday in their last-day 1-0 victory over Hull while most of his first-time regulars were rested by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I think it's good to be going into the Champions League final with a bit of a rest. It's been a long season."

Fletcher's absence from the side makes him the third influential midfielder to miss out on a Championship League final spot during Ferguson's reign. In their first win, over Bayern Munich in 1999, Ireland's Roy Keane and England's Paul Scholes were suspended.

Meanwhile, Uefa have confirmed that Massimo Busacca of Switzerland will be match referee in Rome. It will be his first Champions League final but the 40-year-old did officiate at the Uefa Cup final in 2007.He was also referee in Manchester United's quarterfinal second-leg victory over Porto this year.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/3298975.stm