Manchester United take on Russian giants CSKA Moscow, in the viciously cold backdrop of Russia in the same city where they won their third Champions League, in what is a must win game for both teams who sit tentatively on one win and one defeat each.
Due to the importance of this fixture for both sides Champions Leagues chances, it is time to look at the five key things to look out for.
Can Manchester United inflict only Moscow’s second defeat of the season?
Travelling away from home never has and never will be an easy task in the Champions League, even the smallest of clubs can prove difficult to break down, with the support of their own stadium and fan base.
Moscow is notorious for being difficult to travel to, a very long journey both ways can take a lot out of the players, the tough conditions and of course, the strong football side of CSKA Moscow.
Moscow have only lost once this season, which was away to Wolfsburg, in the opening fixture of the Champions League. They sit five points clear at the top of the Russian League, with 10 wins and two draws, still unbeaten.
Away games in Europe are difficult enough as it is, so it will be an extremely tough challenge for Manchester United, to inflict Moscow’s second defeat of the season.
Is there still room for Herrera and Rojo?
Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo surprised a few when they were selected for the 3-0 win over Everton, but their selections worked perfect as they both contributed to United’s impressive victory.
Rojo helped his side to keep a clean sheet and even got an assist, whereas Herrera got an assist and a goal, coincidentally from a Rojo cross.
After the Everton game Manchester United boss, Louis Van Gaal, told ESPN that he “won’t change too much on Wednesday”, hinting that both players could find themselves playing back to back game.
It will be interesting to see if they are able to stake a claim in the side for back to back games. Plus if there is a space in the side, for Herrera, where will he line up?
Will Martial play out wide again?
Against Everton on Saturday, Antony Martial was put on the wing and he effectively marked Seamus Coleman, usually an extreme threat to defences, out of the game. His movement and pace, kept Coleman pinned back in his own half and prevented the fullback, from consistently attacking the Manchester United half. He knew that if he did, then Martial would make him pay on the counter-attack, but not only was Martial a threat on the break, the youngster tracked back and kept Coleman under lock and key.
Most importantly, the Frenchmen still found scoring opportunities, nearly scoring his sixth goal of the season, after a pull back from Wayne Rooney. Martial showed maturity at the weekend, by being willing to do a job on Coleman and still find space for his own attacking chances.
It will be interesting to see if, Martial is placed on the win yet again to try and nullify the same threats, as he did against Everton.
Just how many changes will Van Gaal make to a winning side?
As mentioned before, when talking to ESPN after the Everton victory, he stated that “won’t change too much on Wednesday”. However he should remember that with the Manchester Derby this weekend, the long journey could take a lot out of any already jaded players.
Realistically when it comes to crunch weeks such as this, United have to win both games. That doesn’t give Van Gaal an awful lot of choices when it comes to resting players, United have to win against Moscow to keep their Champions League chances alive, plus have to win against Manchester City regardless of the situation, purely because the fans demand nothing less.
With all this being said, it would be extremely odd if the same starting 11, started on Saturday, Wednesday and then again on Sunday. Three games in eight days is a big ask for the same starting 11. Expect the midfield to be rotated to keep the likes of Schweinsteiger fully fit, also expect Jesse Lingard to feature at some point against Moscow, purely to keep Juan Mata fit. So for example if Manchester United are winning at half time, Lingard may come on for Mata, so the Spaniard are fitter for the Manchester Derby.
Can United’s defence hold out?
In Manchester United’s four European games so far, only once has the defence looked solid, away at Club Brugge. They conceded an own goal against Brugge at home, conceded twice to PSV in the opening group game and then conceded early to Wolfsburg, before turning it around to win 2-1.
Three goals in four games, is hardly a solid defence. The defence looked like it even shakier in the 3-0 drumming against Arsenal, but just one game later against Everton, the defence nullified all of Everton’s attacking chances. David De Gea was asked to pull off two or three good saves, but all sides have their keepers tested throughout a game.
As a whole there wasn’t any great chances for Everton, as the United defence kept them locked down.
The real question now is can they perform in Europe, they will need to keep Moscow out of the game, if they are to win. Away in Moscow if the home fans get a feeling that their side has an opposition on the ropes, they call for more from their side. A shaky defensive display, could lead to nightmares for Manchester United fans.
As in all games, the defence is vital for Manchester United, if they are to win this game.
