Bursaspor vs. Manchester United Match Preview

Manchester United will be all but assured of a place in the knockout phase should they defeat Bursaspor on Tuesday. United are currently top of Group C with seven points while Bursaspor sit bottom of the table with no points and no goals. Regardless of the apparent gulf in quality demonstrated by the table, when the two sides met at Old Trafford last month there was only one goal to separate them. As the Michael Carrick suggested today, there is no such thing as an easy game in the Champions League.

Advancing to the next round seems very likely at this point, but complacency is something to be fearful of especially when examining recent history. In the 2006/07 campaign, United appeared certain to advance from the group stage after three matches, but losses against F.C. Copenhagen and Celtic left qualification for the knockout phases until the sixth and final group fixture. It goes without saying that fans would prefer to avoid another scenario like that. A win over Bursaspor and United would depart from Turkey on the brink of a fifth successive trip to the Round of 16.

United travelled to Turkey with a depleted squad, but there’s still more than enough quality to secure all three points. Twice in the Champions League the gaffer has rested Edwin van der Sar with Tomasz Kuszczak filling in, and I suspect he’ll do the same on Tuesday. We may see massive changes from the back four that faced Tottenham over the weekend. In fact, I predict only skipper Nemanja Vidic will retain his place in the squad. Rio Ferdinand was left in Manchester which means the in-form Chris Smalling will likely deputise. Rafael appears to have claimed his rightful place as first-choice right back, but the young Brazilian may be rested. After seemingly coming back into favour with Sir Alex, look for Wes Brown to start on the right side of defence. The other full back slot should be occupied by Fabio giving Patrice Evra a well-deserved break.

As with most European away fixtures, I expect Sir Alex to pack the midfield by using a 4-5-1. Nani has made himself undroppable this season so he’ll likely retain his place in the squad. Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung have both started in all three previous European fixtures and I see no reason why that trend wouldn’t continue on Tuesday. With only four centre midfielders in the squad and one being the inexperienced Magnus Eikrem, I would bet that Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes will complete the midfield. Speaking of Eikrem, keep an eye out for the young Norwegian to come on as a sub. He may finally get his long-awaited senior debut if United have control of the match.

And finally, the man of the moment – Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez – is my pick to be the lone striker. The Mexican striker became a fan favourite before he even kicked a ball, and with good reason. The 22-year-old has been a revelation at Old Trafford since his arrival this summer scoring six goals in 12 matches, three of which were late game winners. Plus, it’s hard not to love him with the enthusiasm he always seems to have both on and off the field. With a heart of gold and an uncanny knack for scoring goals, it’s no surprise he’s endeared himself to fans.

Despite sitting atop the Turkish league, Bursaspor have yet to find the net in Europe and I don’t foresee that changing against a United defence which has kept clean sheets in all three previous Champions League fixtures. At the other end of the pitch United is more than capable of scoring a goal or two. Nani has been in good goalscoring form recently and I fancy him to net one on Tuesday. With United starting to find their form it wouldn’t come as a shock if they managed larger win against Bursaspor than they did at Old Trafford. Look for Chicharito to add to his tally. So for those of you who don’t know how to add or are simply too lazy, I am predicting a 2-0 win for United.

Getting all three points always comes first, but I have one selfish hope as well. I would like to see Eikrem make his first-team debut. For almost two months I have eagerly awaited to see Eikrem in the senior side, but the closest he’s gotten is a few teasing appearances on the bench. Please Sir Alex, don’t make me wait any longer. The Norwegian is an absolute gem and has earned an opportunity to prove himself on the highest level.

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You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC

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