CSKA v Man Utd preview

21 October 2009 10:17
Manchester United will face CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday without five first-team players. Last year's defeated finalists will be without the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung for the trip to Russia. The Premier League champions are certain to miss the likes of Rooney (calf), Giggs (thigh) and Evra (foot), with the trio arguably United's most consistent performers so far this season but manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident all three can return for the clash with Liverpool at the weekend. The artificial surface has been questioned in the build-up to the game but Ferguson believes the plastic pitch will not pose his side any difficulties. The Red Devils have fond memories of the Luzniky Stadium having beaten Chelsea on penalties in the 2008 final to lift the European Cup for the third time in their history. United are confident of reaching the final for a third successive year this term especially after getting this season's campaign off to the best possible start with six points from their opening two group games. Standing in their way this time is a familiar face in former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos who took over as CSKA boss just last month. Having lost 3-1 to Wolfsburg in their opening European fixture CSKA responded by beating Besiktas 2-1 last time out and will prove to be tricky opponents for United on home soil. The hosts will be without former Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez (ankle) and forward Guilherme (thigh) for the clash, while Vasili Berezutski is a doubt with a cold. Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung (both knee) have stayed at home along with Giggs, Rooney and Evra, while United also have doubts over Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov. The Serbian defender is suffering with an ankle injury that also kept him out of the 2-1 win over Bolton at the weekend while Berbatov also picked up a knock in the win over the Trotters. If Vidic fails to make the match it should mean Jonny Evans continues to partner Rio Ferdinand, while Danny Welbeck could come into partner Michael Owen upfront if Berbatov is ruled out. Ferguson likes to play with a lone striker in Europe especially in away games so Owen may start upfront on his own against CSKA. Edwin Van der Sar made his first appearance of the season at the weekend and should continue in goal having come through the game unscathed. Gary Neville made only his second Premier League start of the season on Saturday and despite performing admirably, he could be replaced by regular right-back John O'Shea. Giggs' absence could give Nani the chance to stake his claim for a start while Paul Scholes will also be pushing for a recall having started on the bench against Bolton.

Source: SKY_Sports