Manchester United host bottom of the group Besiktas in the Champions League this evening knowing that another three points will virtually guarantee their place as group winners.
- Manchester United V Besiktas follow LIVE text commentary
- Fergie to turn to youngsters
United qualified for the knock-out stage on match-day four, when a dramatic late comeback against CSKA Moscow earned them a 3-3 draw.
Although top-spot is not yet assured, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson looks set to rest some of his key-players as he keeps an eye on Saturday's clash with relegation-threatened Portsmouth.
Midfielder Darron Gibson is set to start, while Gabriel Obertan, Danny Welbeck and Frederico Macheda could also make the first eleven.
Dimitar Berbatov could make a surprise return after training this week following a knee injury picked up on international duty.
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will be part of the squad but either Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszczak should start ahead of him.
Players definitely ruled out are Rio Ferdinand (back) and John O'Shea (ankle).
Ferguson said: 'We could have a non-event game if we wanted to but that is not the way we want it to be.
'We want an exciting game and we will do our best to challenge the young players who do play.
'There is always an issue about whether it makes a difference between finishing first or second in the group, especially when you look at some of the groups, but we will be trying to be number one.'
Visitors Besiktas enter tonight's game with almost no chance of progressing to the knock-out stage.
In order to grab second place in the group they must win their remaining two games and hope that United can beat Wolfsburg in the final group game.
With three losses and a draw from their four games so far, the Turkish giants could even miss out on the Europa League spot if results go against them this evening.
Brazilian Bobo looks set to start in attack, while Rustu Recber could also be recalled in goal.
Ismail Koybasi and Nihat Kahveci are struggling with injury but Filip Holoslo, Hakan Arkan and Mert Nobre are all definitely out along with the suspended Tomas Sivok.
- Joe Strange
Source: DSG
