Following an impressive 0-3 victory away to Everton on Saturday, Manchester United look to take that momentum with them as their European campaign continues in Moscow on Wednesday.

United travel to CSKA Moscow and the Russian capital for their third Champions League Group B game. After one win and one loss from The Red Devils' opening two games, the group remains wide open and the trip east will be a test for Louis Van Gaal's men.

Not least the likely cold conditions, but the Russian side's notoriously difficult surfaces. As the Luzhniki Stadium continues to be refurbished for the 2018 World Cup, Arena Khimki has become the temporary home of Koni. The stadium only houses 18,000 fans but, despite a lesser capacity, the ground will nevertheless be a suitably hostile environment for United.

Both sides won their last group game, with United toppling Wolfsburg and CSKA beating PSV Eindhoven. With all four sides having won and lost a game, the next two back-to-back games for the quartet, could prove decisive

Doumbia back in fold for Russians

CSKA's main attacking attacking threat since 2010, has been Ivorian Seydou Doumbia with 61 goals in 96 appearances, during four-and-a-half seasons for the club. Doumbia moved on loan at AS Roma in January, however failed to replicate his form in Serie A. Doumbia returned to Moscow in August.

In his loan spell back, the striker has netted five times in eight games, including two versus PSV last time out. Last term, the 27 year-old scored three times in the games versus United's fervent rivals Manchester City (whom they face this weekend), so Chris Smalling will need to be on his toes. 

Memphis to return for scoring duties?

After being dropped for the win at Goodison Park, Louis Van Gaal has to decide whether to bring his form man in Europe, this season, back into the starting line-up. Memphis Depay was left on the bench for Ander Herrera at the weekend and with the Spaniard showing his manager what has been missing from United's displays by and large, it would be hard to leave Herrera out.

Memphis however has three goals this campaign and leaving the Dutchman out could be a mistake in this away tie, with pitfalls aplenty, despite his lack of form. Van Gaal will not however, be able to call on Ashley Young or James Wilson who miss out through injury and illness respectively.

Last time out

United have played CSKA twice before, sharing the spoils in a six goal thriller and winning in Moscow away, both in 2009. United won 1-0 at the Luzhniki Stadium, courtesy of an Antonio Valencia 86th minute goal.  

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About the author
Neil Leverett
33 year old writer living in London. Arsenal fan but all rounder, specializing in sporting analysis, in particular football.