by Anton Johan
Manchester United will meet Schalke 04 in the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League on April 26th, and spectators can look forward to some serious action by two very different teams.
Schalke is definitely the surprise of this season and has pushed its way into the semi final stage with a great combination of skill and luck.
In the beginning of the tournament, Schalke played a number of weak teams, which managed to get the German team further in the competition than many believed possible.
It then went on to beat an excellent team like Valencia which was having a bad night.
But Schalke really shined when it beat the European Champions, Inter when it played them in Milana (2-5) and again at home (2-1).
Manchester United, of course, is an entire different ball-game, with a great reputation as a leading team on international scales.
Manchester's heart is its excellent coach who definitely has the potential to see the team reach the finals.
Sir Alex has already travelled to Germany to see what awaits United in the semi finals and Schalke 04's goalkeeper, the 25 year old Manuel Neuer is being closely monitored.
Neuer, the team's captain, has been part of Schalke from junior level and will not be daunted by the formidable platform onto which he will lead his team in the semi finals.
The bottom line is that while Ferguson may not be shaking in his boots against a rival such as Schalke 04, he has certainly noted their vibrancy and determination, as well as their discipline as a team.
Current odds at Ladbrokes.com in the Schalke vs Manchester United match on April 26th
Schalke 9/5
Draw - 11/5
Manchester United - 6/5
