Manchester United will make a trip to Russia next week where they’ll affront CSKA Moscow in match-day three of the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester United – players out, players in
The clash will take place at the Luznikhi stadium, so the Red Devils will hope that things go their way one more time.
Two years back, Manchester United spent a sleepless night celebrating on that ground as they defeated Chelsea to lift the prestigious Champions League trophy.
This season, the 2009 European beaten finalists top their group after two hard-fought battles away to Besiktas and at home to Wolfsburg respectively.
Sir Alex Ferguson will want to guide his team to another victory. But this time, he’ll be keen to watch his side produce a better performance than the ones they had in their two previous games.
The Old Scot will not attempt to underestimate his opponents come Wednesday. Besides, Ferguson will have to deal with the absence of some key players.
Veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs is not expected to travel with the squad to Russia after he sustained an injury against Bolton last Saturday. Patrice Evra could also be left out to rather recover in time for Manchester United’s titanic clash against Liverpool this weekend.
Giving info to the media concerning these players’ fitness, Sir Alex Ferguson told the club’s official website on Saturday:
“Ryan Giggs has got a knock and is a doubt for Wednesday. Patrice Evra… we'll have to look at tomorrow. He may be a doubt.”
In contrast, the Red Devils could welcome Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney back in the squad. The pair were made unavailable for Manchester United’s league match at home to the Trotters. Now they might have the chance of facing CSKA Moscow in Europe.
Still, nothing is set yet but Fergie believes that his striking pair could play come Wednesday. He declared:
“Dimitar Berbatov, I think, will be alright. Wayne Rooney – we've got to try to get ready for Wednesday.
“We'll see him on Sunday. I'm hopeful Nemanja Vidic will be alright, but he'll certainly be ready for the Liverpool game.”
CSKA Moscow – can they exploit and distract the Red Devils?
CSKA Moscow might have inscribed only one victory in Europe so far, but their recent form is to be considered.
They have netted ten times in their last four Russian league matches and Manchester United’s defense will have to be aware of Wagner Love’s threat.
The Brazilian striker has proven his ability at many occasions in the Champions League over the past two years.
The Russian side might try to attack the Red Devils as much as they can. They could try and play with Manchester United’s concentration, knowing that the Mancunians have a crucial English Premier League battle against Liverpool in mind.
If CSKA Moscow can spoil Manchester United’s flow tactically and keep a tight back line to contain the likes of Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia, then they’ll have a great chance of picking a good result in the end.
Either way, Manchester United still stand as favorites going into this encounter. Should they beat CSKA Moscow, they’ll be only one point away from qualifying into the last sixteen.
