Manchester United will face Juventus in a couple of hours time. This clash is the headline fixture of this round and indeed the whole group stage. This sees the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to his former hunting ground where everything began.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar is now a Serie A player but his aura and effectiveness have not reduced one bit. The departure of the Portuguese has resulted in Real Madrid getting off to their worst start to a season in a long time and Juventus their best.
But we will shift our attention to the clash tonight. Juventus come into the match labelled as the favourites considering their recent Champions League record and current form in respect to the troubled times facing United.
The Serie A side have won both their matches so far while United have won one and drawn another. But a win for the Red Devils will see them leapfrog the Bianconeri and claim the first spot for now.
Jose will surely have a plan up his sleeve and the recent upturn in form will give him confidence that his team can execute it as well.
TEAM NEWS
Alexis Sanchez will be missing the game through injury. Antonio Valencia could make a return after undergoing a mouth surgery. Diogo Dalot, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay might miss out again hence limiting Jose Mourinho’s options to an extent.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED VS JUVENTUS (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
David de Gea will start under the bar and will have to come up with a display akin to the one against Chelsea.
Ashley Young is likely to continue at right-back with Antonio not yet in top form. Chris Smalling is nailed on for a spot at centre-back and while Lindelof hasn’t been consistent this season, he seems to be the best option based on current form. Luke Shaw will start as the left-back. The Englishman has been one of United’s best players this season and he will play a crucial role.
MIDFIELD
Nemanja Matic will sit at the base of the midfield. He will look to stifle the opposition midfielders and that will be something Jose will lay special emphasis on. Another headline maker is Paul Pogba who will face his former club and will be partnered by Ander Herrera in central midfield.
ATTACK
Anthony Martial has got back his mojo and will be United’s greatest attacking threat. He will start on the left with Juan Mata expected to line up on the opposite flank. Out-of-form Romelu Lukaku will start up front and it is about time that the Belgian delivers a performance worth remembering. Rashford might have to settle for a place on the bench.
