Champions League preview and odds: Manchester United vs. CSKA Moscow

Published on: 02/11/2015

Champions League preview and odds: Manchester United vs. CSKA Moscow

November 3, 2015 19:45pm Old Trafford

Champions League

Group B could get very interesting on Tuesday night as second place Manchester United host third place CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford in gameweek four of the UEFA Champions League.

United looking to gain advantage over Russians

Manchester United have never beaten a Russian side at Old Trafford but a win this week would give them the upperhand in the race for qualification. The Red Devils are currently in second place in Group B, level on points with the third-ranked CSKA, with German side Wolfsburg leading the way. Dutch side PSV Eindhoven are just one point back and still in the hunt for a qualification place.

When the teams met in Moscow, the game finished 1-1 thanks to Anthony Martials equaliser - a score-line that handed the advantage to their German rivals. Another draw could give PSV a chance to leap into second place if they can beat Wolfsburg on home soil.

United have been victorious just once in a total of eight meetings against Russian club sides. That lone win came at CSKA back in 2009.

CSKA looking for second win in England

CSKA won their first game on English soil when they defeated Manchester City by two goals to one in last years competition. If they can repeat that feat on Tuesday night, they will be in full control of their qualification destiny. They have played a total of six games on English soil with an overall record of W1 D3 L2.

The Russians have been unbeaten in 20 matches in their domestic league, a record that stretches back to April. Their last competitive defeat was a 1-0 reverse at Wolfsburg earlier in this competition.

It was been confirmed this week that Coach Leonid Slutsky will lead the Russian national team at the 2016 European Championships in France.

Team news

United will be without Antonio Valencia who is still struggling with a foot injury, while Memphis Depay could also miss out after receiving a knock in the League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

CSKA could be without Bibras Natcho, who is suffering from a head injury, and Vasiliy Berezutsky, who has a thigh problem.

Recent form (All competitions)

Manchester United: DLDDW

CSKA Moscow: WWDDW

Betting odds and tips

The home side have only scored one goal in their last four games and that statistic will be a huge concern for Louis van Gaal. As a result, they have won just one of their last six games in all competitions.

The visitors are unbeaten in their last 10 competitive matches in all competitions and will be going into this game full of confidence.

This could be a pivotal game for both sides in Group B and the draw looks like the best option at 17/5 with Betvictor. If you fancy United to play out their fourth straight goalless draw, you can back a correct score of 0-0 at 11/1 with Betfred.

Published on: 02/11/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (02/11/2015 12:12:59) but are subject to change.