Manchester United and Barcelona are one step away from a Champions League semi-final berth as both sides boast a clear advantage before facing Roma and Schalke respectively on Wednesday. English champions United have a comfortable 2-0 lead over Roma before the two teams clash for the sixth time in two years. The Red Devils' boss Alex Ferguson believes time is on his team's side during the Old Trafford encounter. "The clock is against Roma. They have to do something which may suit us because I think on the counter attack we are very good," he said. "Scoring would take the pressure off us and give a bigger problem to Roma." Ferguson will be without key stopper Nemanja Vidic, who has a knee injury, while his defense partner Rio Ferdinand is a major doubt. However, the Premiership leaders do not have to worry much, as Roma will be without influential forward Francesco Totti, who almost represents half their striking force. Rijkaard Calls for Support
Rijkaard At Nou Camp, Barcelona will take on Schalke, who were beaten at home by the Catalan giants last week, thanks to a goal from teenager Bojan Krkic. However, Barca's morale is far from good, following their recent draw with Getafe, which summed up their poor Primera Liga campaign. Coach Frank Rijkaard urged for support from fans after they sounded their frustration with the team during the Getafe game. "This team needs support if it is to pick itself up, I've never got carried away when things are going well and I don't like seeing everything as being negative either," he said. The Spanish titans will miss deadly South American duo Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi due to injury. Defender Gabriel Milito is also doubtful, along with key midfield man Xavi. On the contrary, Schalke welcome back midfielder Jermain Jones, who was suspended for the first leg at Gelsenkirchen.
