Source: Telegraph
CSKA Moscow v Manchester United: match preview
Luzhniki Stadium
Kick-off: 17.30.
TV: Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports HD2, Setanta Ireland.
Key battle: Igor Akinfeev v Michael Owen The CSKA goalkeeper has been touted as a possible target for United, with the Russian club conceding that he is likely to leave in the January transfer window.
Akinfeev will be keen to impress, but United forward Owen also has the opportunity to push his case for a starting spot against Liverpool on Sunday. With Wayne Rooney among United’s injuries, Owen could stake a claim against his former club and perhaps enhance his England prospects.
Touchline duel: Juande Ramos v Sir Alex Ferguson The two men clashed just twice during Ramos’s 12-month reign as Tottenham manager, with Ferguson claiming a victory and a draw against the Spaniard. Ramos has history on his side on this occasion, however.
United have never beaten Russian opposition – home or away – and CSKA have won their last six European fixtures at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Talking tactics: CSKA have operated a defensive 4-5-1 formation in recent games, aiming to hit opponents on the counter-attack. The loss of injured winger Mark González will hamper that tactic, however. Ferguson’s challenge will be to select a team that allows him to keep key men fresh for Sunday.
What they're saying:
Ramos: "The most dangerous player is Berbatov. I worked with him at Tottenham, he is a great player. I can't say how he has adapted to Manchester United but when he is in good form he is absolutely unstoppable. Manchester United will play Liverpool on Sunday but I am sure the match with CSKA Moscow is very important for Sir Alex Ferguson's team. I think all the Manchester United players will do their best."
Ferguson: "I am not a great believer in 'can afford not to win'. We will try to win and I think that is the incentive for us. Evra just had a little problem and we decided to leave him because we are quite well covered."
Team details (probable)
CSKA Moscow: (4-4-1-1) Akinfeev; Shemberas, Ignashevich, V Berezutski, A Berezutski; Schennikov, Krasic, Aldonin, Odiah; Dzhagoyev; Necid.
Manchester United: (4-4-2) Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic, J Evans, O'Shea; Valencia, Scholes, Anderson, Nani; Berbatov, Owen.
Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)
