Despite the Premier League campaign not going to plan, the Champions League offers fresh ambition this Tuesday night – as United face Young Boys in an early opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages.
Pressure is piling on José Mourinho as he continues to frustrate fans, meaning visiting boss Gerardo Seoane will fancy his chances of collecting points in this clash.
The group stages are hotting up with qualification in for the hosts sight.
Kick-off: 20:00 (GMT)
Location: Old Trafford
Referee: Felix Brych
Other Group H fixture: Juventus vs Valencia CF (20:00)
Young Boys
Group Position: 4th
Form: WWLWW
Top goalscorer: Guillaume Hoarau [10]
Most assists: Miralem Sulejmani [9]
One to watch: Djibril Sow
Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)
- Guilerme Hoarau – ankle (unknown)
- Jordan Lotomba – knee (day to day)
- Gregory Wüthrich – thigh (unknown)
- Sekou Junior Sanogo – red card (next match)
Expected lineup
(4-4-2) Ballmoos; Mbabu, Lauper, von Bergen, Benito; Fassnacht, Sow, Ngamaleu, Sulejmani; Assale, Nsame.
Key quote
“[on whether Manchester United are easier to beat at Old Trafford now] I don’t think so. I just think it’s something unusual. They are strong at home. They’ll want to show their crowd that they are strong.” – Gerardo Seoane
Next match: FC Basel [A] 2/12/18
The Red Devils
Talking points
Problems are mounting for United on the pitch but the club will be focused on arriving to Old Trafford on time tomorrow night as they have failed to do so in the two previous group stage matches this season.
If so happens that Valencia fail to win against Juventus and United claim victory, qualification will be confirmed.
After finally coming into his own, Victory Lindelöf has picked up an unfortunate hamstring injury that will keep him out “for a while.”
Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)
- Diogo Dalot – knock (back in training)
- Victor Lindelöf – hamstring (unknown)
- Marcos Rojo – small injury (day to day)
Expected lineup
(4-2-3-1) De Gea; Young, Bailly, Smalling, Shaw; Matić, Pogba; A. Sánchez, Lingard, Martial; Lukaku.
Key quote
“When you see the amazing things the players did that demand pride and spirit, obviously you believe they have it – then sometimes you have matches where the profile is different and you become frustrated.” – José Mourinho
Next match: Southampton [A] 1/12/18
Possible key battles
– Alexis Sánchez vs Sandro Lauper
– Paul Pogba vs Djibril Sow
– Paul Pogba vs Djibril Sow
– Ashley Young vs Miralem Sulejmani
Enjoy the match!
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