Manchester United are coming off a sloppy draw against Crystal Palace this past weekend in the English Premier League. That was clearly a result no one wanted, as The Red Devils keep slipping further and further not only from the top of the standings, but from the Top 4 as well. But now the team has a huge chance for a bounce-back performance. This Tuesday, The Red Devils will host BSC Young Boys. The aim is quite clear. If Manchester United win and Juventus do the same thing against Valencia, then both sides would clinch their place on the knockout stages of the competition.
Read on to find out everything you need to know prior to Sunday’s thrilling contest:
Team News
Luke Shaw is expected to return to the starting XI following his absence against Crystal Palace due to a suspension. As it was the case against Crystal Palace, there are not fitness concerns for Tuesday’s outing, meaning Jose Mourinho will have a huge group at his disposal for this pivotal match. Victor Lindelof is doubtful, however, since he played the final minutes of the match against Palace with an apparent hamstring injury. Recently-injured centre-backs Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly are all back in training.
Meanwhile, Young Boys do not have fresh injury concerns, but are not at full strength. Right-back Jordan Lotomba is out with a knee injury, and Gregory Wüthrich has a muscle problem.
Form guide
Manchester United drew against Crystal Palace, extending their Premier League winless run to two matches. But their Champions League form has been quite solid, with only one defeat in their first four group-stage matches (W2, D1, L1). Their more recent Champions League match saw them secure a big 2-1 away win at Juventus, thanks to late goals from Juan Mata and Leonardo Bonucci (own goal). Currently, United sit in second place with seven points, two behind group-leaders Juventus.
On the other hand, Young Boys have looked impressive on the domestic front. Since facing United in September, Young Boys have won eight of their 13 matches in all competitions, including the last five in the Swiss Super League where they own a 16-point lead over second-placed FC Basel. Things haven’t gone as smooth on the Champions League, though, where they don’t have a chance to reach the knockout stages. They could claim a spot in the UEFA Europa League, though, but for that to happen, they need to take home the three points in this one. Young Boys only have one point in four matches (D1, L3).
What is our all-time record against Swiss teams?
United’s only previous meeting against Young Boys was the 3-0 win in the group-stage opening match earlier this season. Overall, United own a W3, D2, L2 record against Switzerland-based teams, scoring 14 times and conceding eight.
Prediction
Manchester United need to win in order to get closer to a potential knockout-stage berth. They’re a far better team – on paper – and the fact this game will be played at Old Trafford should only work on their favour. Expect United to win this game comfortably.
Leave a Reply