Get set for theatre of goals

Bank on the goals belatedly flowing when Manchester United and Barcelona square up in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Bet365 and totesport both offer a tempting 100-30 against four goals or more, although the more cautious can have a general 5-4 against there being more than two.

The first leg ended in a goalless stalemate, but it would probably have been a  different story had Cristiano Ronaldo not missed an early penalty.

Both teams are usually in their element when going forward and the prospect of another cagey looks slim to non-existent.

United adopted a cautious approach at the Nou Camp but with home advantage - and knowing that Barcelona require only one goal to make them score twice - seem likely to adopt a policy of attack being the best form of defence.

By the same token, Barcelona, knowing that away goals will be worth almost double, are unlikely to be shy in going forward.

United and Barcelona fought out two memorable 3-3 draws in 1998 and, while a decade has passed, both clubs remain committed to attack. United have scored far more goals (74) than any other club in the Premier League this campaign, while Barcelona remain the third-highest scorers in the Spanish Primera Liga Table despite a disappointing campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have, between them, scored 79 goals in all competitions this season. Clearly, if one does not get you, the likelihood is that one of the other two will. Such as Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry give Barcelona a similarly potent look.

Overall, United are 8-11 with Paddy Power to reach the final. Barcelona are 5-4 with William Hill.