Manchester United v CSKA Moscow – Champions League Group B

Manchester United could be a little light up front as they entertain Russian side CSKA Moscow in Tuesday’s Champions League match at Old Trafford. Club top scorer Wayne Rooney is likely to be absent as his wife, Coleen Rooney, has just delivered their first baby. Rooney was absent from training on Monday as his good lady was in labour. Along with his name missing from the line up, will be that of defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic who are both still out injured, and Ryan Giggs still is not ready to pull on a shirt again. The biggest problem for Alex Ferguson will be the fact that there is a doubt over stand in striker Dimitar Berbatov, as he is struggling to be fit due to a knee injury. This will clearly not be cheering boss Ferguson at the moment, as he will need all his troops fit and present ahead of the big Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to play leaders Chelsea.

The Scot will be appeased though that he knows his team only require one more Champions League victory to clinch a place in the next round. Watching United this season, is not like sitting and watching the fluent powerhouse of times past, but they are still going to be one of the dominant forces in Europe because of the set up of the club. They may not be as free flowing and attack orientated as Arsenal, or have the world class midfield or defensive prowess of Chelsea, but they have a cohesion which gets the job done. That is really all that needs to happen on Tuesday night, a solid performance, when a 1-0 win will be as good as a 5-0 one.

History certainly favours the Red Devils, because they have not lost a home game in the Champions League since 2005, a span of 22 games. If Old Trafford wasn’t already a daunting enough arena to walk into, that won’t fill the Russian with joy. But one piece of statistical history which they could turn to, is the fact that on the previous two occasions when Russian teams have visited Old Trafford, Manchester United did not pull out a win. If that happens again on this occasion CSKA Moscow will probably leave Manchester quite a happy team. A point would still sort of keep them in the hunt, having to rely on then beating Wolfsburg to catch them for second place. That’s all down the line, and Alex Ferguson will want a no-nonsense performance, as this game pales in significance to the one that is coming on the weekend.

Fortunately Manchester United have the strength in depth, certainly in the midfield areas. Where the goals are going to come from without Rooney and Berbatov in the line-up is a different question altogether. Even with them in the side, their goal difference in the Premier League is way behind that of Chelsea and Arsenal, and even struggling Liverpool have been more potent in front of goal, largely thanks to Fernando Torres. But Manchester United prevail, and the Moscow unit, who have just one win from their three games, will need to be a lot sharper than they were on home territory for the corresponding Match day three fixture.

Manchester United to win: 4/11 at Bet365
Draw: 4/1 at Boylesports
CSKA Moscow to win: 10/1 at BetFred

Betting Advice. Manchester United look more vulnerable this season than they have done. They have not been overpowering or clinically burying teams where you would expect them to. Since the Liverpool defeat, United have bounced back with two 2-0 wins, without breaking much of a sweat. There will probably be a big lack of firepower on show for this game, as the Russians have not enjoyed a lot of success in front of goal. But whatever side Ferguson puts out, it should at least be two goals better than CSKA.
Manchester United to win 2-0: 11/2 at Ladbrokes