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Manchester United vs CSKA Moscow: Lineups, Preview, Stats And Prediction

Anthony Martial

In a crucial week for United, they head to Moscow to take on CSKA. It started with a trip to Goodison Park, where an emphatic performance saw a 3-0 win. Solid performances from Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera and most of the team saw United take all three points for the first time since 2011 at Goodison. Wayne Rooney got his first away goal of the season which was a big relief for United fans. It was also his 187th goal which saw him move to joint second in the all time Premier League scoring chart alongside Andy Cole. Everton had a few moments but David De Gea ensured United came away with a clean sheet.

United have been good this season apart from the loss at Arsenal. CSKA themselves are five points clear in the Russian Premier League after defeating Ural 3-2 on the weekend. They are yet to be defeated this season in the Russian League. However, they have only won 3 of their last 14 Champions League matches. While United were beating Wolsfsburg at home last gameweek, CSKA did well to beat PSV 3-2 in Moscow. The group is very open as of now with all four teams having 3 points each. United will look to consolidate their position with a solid performance at the Arena Khimki stadium.

United of course have fond memories of Moscow, as they lifted the Champions League here in 2008. Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick will help draw inspiration from that performance being part of that title winning team.

Sergio Romero and Antonio Valencia missed the trip to Everton, however they are part of the 20 man squad travelling to Moscow. CSKA will be hoping that Igor Akinfeev can recover from a knock in time to start in goal. However, the Russian has not kept a clean sheet in the competition since 2006. Bibras Natkho and Vasili Berezutski are also doubtful for the clash.

Ex-United man Zoran Tosic will be looking to prove a point to his former club. Tosic signed for United in 2009 but made only 5 substitute appearances before eventually being sold to CSKA a year later. United will also have to be weary of the threat posed by Seydou Doumbia. He’s scored 7 goals in his last 7 appearances and had scored against Man City last season. The last time United came visiting was 6 years ago when they recorded a slender 1-0 win.

United will be hoping they can build on their performance at the weekend and secure another European victory.

Predicted Lineups:

CSKA Moscow possible starting lineup:
Akinfeev; Fernandes, Nababkin, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Eremenko, Wernbloom, Tosic, Dzagoev; Musa, Doumbia

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Jones, Blind; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Mata, Rooney, Herrera; Martial

Match Facts: (Whoscored)

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Man Utd‘s last 5games in the Champions League (including qualifiers).
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of CSKA Moscow‘s last 7 games in the Champions League (including qualifiers).

Prediction

A 1-1 draw.

 

Written by Pravir Singh

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