Source: SKY_Sports
Man Utd v Wolfsburg preview
Manchester United host Wolfsburg in their first UEFA Champions League match at Old Trafford this season on Wednesday.
Both sides were victorious on matchday one with United defeating Besiktas 1-0 in Turkey while the Germans marked their first ever Champions League encounter with a 3-1 win at home to CSKA Moscow.
On target that day was Brazilian striker Grafite who bagged himself a hat-trick. The 30-year-old has managed to live under the radar for the majority of his career but his efforts in front of goal for Wolfsburg since signing in 2007 have seen him hit the headlines.
The Sao Paulo born frontman was one half of one of the most lethal partnerships in European football last term as he and partner in crime Edin Dzeko scored 71 goals between them as Wolfsburg raced to the Bundesliga title.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already mentioned that his defenders will have to keep a close eye on the strike pair if United are to build on their good start in Europe.
Ferguson has often changed his team's style in Europe over the last few years and even reverted to playing Wayne Rooney as a lone striker against an out-of-form Besiktas last time out.
It remains to be seen whether the Scot will do the same again against Wolfsburg who are sure to play an open and expansive game against the Red Devils.
If Ferguson decides to go with his preferred formation in Europe it will mean Dimitar Berbatov will have to make do with a place on the bench.
The Bulgarian was on target at the weekend against Stoke and the forward has history against the Germans having scored twice in eight games against them during his spell at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
United look set to be without winger Park Ji-Sung after the South Korean went down with a virus earlier in the week.
Striker Michael Owen sat out of training on Tuesday with a tight groin but he should have recovered enough to feature.
One striker who should definitely start is Rooney, in what will be his 50th appearance in Europe for United.
Rafael has also returned to training after shoulder surgery but the game against Wolfsburg has come too soon for the Brazilian full-back.
Edwin van der Sar is nearing a comeback but he is still out with a hand problem while Gabriel Obertan remains absent because of a back injury.
Good news on the injury front for the Premier League champions is the fact that Owen Hargreaves is expected to return to full training in 10 days and a return to action in early November has been mooted.
The visitors have no new injuries to concern them but manager Armin Veh must toy with the idea of adding former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins to an already potent attack.
United are normally used to teams parking the bus when they visit Old Trafford but Veh claims he will come to attack the hosts and Martins could partner Grafite and Dzeko in a front three.
Brazilian Josue is the only doubt with the midfielder currently struggling with a knee injury but Veh remains optimistic.
