United play their third game in this seasons Champions League tomorrow night by entertaining Sporting Braga at Old Trafford. United have never met the Portuguese team before and will be hoping to carry on their 100% record in the group stages.
The Opposition
United’s new opponents finished third in their domestic league last season which meant the entered the Champions league in the qualifying rounds. They were drawn against a very good Udinese team but they managed to squeeze through over two legs thanks to a penalty shoot-out. This is only Braga’s second appearance in this competition but back in 2010 they did beat Arsenal in the group stage. In the same season though they managed to reach the Europa League Final where they were beaten by Porto in Dublin.
They have had a mixed start to this season’s competition though. On match day one they were defeated 2-0 at home to Cluj, but last time out they recorded a very good 2-0 victory against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Plus, on a side note, Braga also has one of the coolest stadiums in European football. The 30,000 capacity stadium by the name of – Estádio AXA,
The Opposition
United’s new opponents finished third in their domestic league last season which meant the entered the Champions league in the qualifying rounds. They were drawn against a very good Udinese team but they managed to squeeze through over two legs thanks to a penalty shoot-out. This is only Braga’s second appearance in this competition but back in 2010 they did beat Arsenal in the group stage. In the same season though they managed to reach the Europa League Final where they were beaten by Porto in Dublin.
They have had a mixed start to this season’s competition though. On match day one they were defeated 2-0 at home to Cluj, but last time out they recorded a very good 2-0 victory against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
Plus, on a side note, Braga also has one of the coolest stadiums in European football. The 30,000 capacity stadium by the name of – Estádio AXA,
Team News
Sir Alex has revealed that Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra will be rested ahead of the game with Chelsea next Sunday, but says that Shinj Kagawa will be involved and that there is a chance Ashley Young might be. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are still missing though.
In goal I’d expect David De Gea to retain his place. The back four though is interesting, Sir Alex has already said that he will rest Evra and Ferdinand. I’d have thought Buttner would replace Evra, but it’s who replaces Rio that will be interesting – as you can see I’ve gone for Carrick, just so there is some experience at the back, but I think a strong case could be given to Scott Wootton starting tomorrow night, sure he doesn’t have the experience but first and foremost he’s an actual defender, but we’ll see.
In midfield I think Scholes will be saved for Chelsea and with Carrick in the back four a start for Anderson wouldn’t be a surprise, who has impressed when he’s been involved this season, he just needs more minutes. Darren Fletcher could also be involved tomorrow, but I have a sneaky feeling he’ll be saved for Sunday too.
The front players – I’ve gone for RVP to be rested for Sunday but Rooney should lead the attack and will be flanked by Valencia, Kagawa and Welbeck.
Sir Alex Speaks
“We’ve kept players back from the Stoke game to play against Braga,” he explained. “So we’re not under-estimating Braga.
“Braga, to my mind, are better away from home. They showed that by beating Galatasaray. Turkey’s not an easy place to go and they managed a 2-0 victory. Counter-attacking will rear its head.”
Conclusion
In midfield I think Scholes will be saved for Chelsea and with Carrick in the back four a start for Anderson wouldn’t be a surprise, who has impressed when he’s been involved this season, he just needs more minutes. Darren Fletcher could also be involved tomorrow, but I have a sneaky feeling he’ll be saved for Sunday too.
The front players – I’ve gone for RVP to be rested for Sunday but Rooney should lead the attack and will be flanked by Valencia, Kagawa and Welbeck.
Sir Alex Speaks
“We’ve kept players back from the Stoke game to play against Braga,” he explained. “So we’re not under-estimating Braga.
“Braga, to my mind, are better away from home. They showed that by beating Galatasaray. Turkey’s not an easy place to go and they managed a 2-0 victory. Counter-attacking will rear its head.”
Conclusion
I do fancy us to get the win tomorrow – A little concerned about Rio and Evra being missing, but again we should have too much for them going forward. As Sir Alex says, they’re a very good counter-attacking team and if we’re not careful the game could become a little uncomfortable.
Old Trafford Reds Prediction
I think Braga will have their moments and worry us, but in the end we’ll have too much attacking options.
UNITED 3 – 1 BRAGA
Old Trafford Reds Prediction
I think Braga will have their moments and worry us, but in the end we’ll have too much attacking options.
UNITED 3 – 1 BRAGA
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