Champions League preview and odds: Wolfsburg vs Manchester United

Published on: 06/12/2015

Champions League preview and odds: Wolfsburg vs Manchester United

December 08, 2015 19:45pm - VfL Wolfsburg Arena

Champions League

The top two teams in Group B will battle it out for a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on Tuesday as Wolfsburg and Manchester United meet in a crucial showdown at the VfL Wolfsburg Arena.

All to play for in Germany

Wolfsburg may be top of Group B but they could still miss out on the knockout stages should they lose to their English opponents on Tuesday night. However, a draw would definitely put them through and a win would guarantee them top spot in the group.

If the Germans do manage to grab a point or more, they will progress to the knockout phase of the competition for the first time in the history of the competition. If they lose the game, they can still qualify providing PSV do not win at home to CSKA Moscow in the groups other game.

Wolfsburg come in to this game on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga that ended their 29-game unbeaten run at home in the domestic competition.

United on a knife edge

Manchester United are just a point behind Wolfsburg but need a victory to guarantee a place in the latter stages of the tournament. However, they could also qualify with a draw or defeat if PSV fail to win at home.

The game on Tuesday takes six years to the day after the Red Devils beat Wolfsburg 3-1 in Germany to claim top spot in their qualifying group. Michael Owen scored all three goals for United as Wolfsburg were condemned to third place and dropped into the UEFA Europa League. When the teams met at Old Trafford back in September, the English side secured a 2-1 victory after coming from a goal down.

United come into this game on the back of a goalless draw against West Ham in the Barclays Premier League. That was their third straight draw in all compeitions.

Team news

Julian Draxler is back in action for the Germans after a spell out with an adductor injury, while Luiz Gustavo is also in contention after recovering from a back issue. Robin Knoche has also returned to the squad but remains a doubt for this game.

Wayne Rooney will not travel as he is still recovering from an ankle injury, while Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia will also miss out.

Recent form (All competitions)

Wolfsburg: LDWWL

Manchester United: DDDWW

Betting odds and tips

Dieter Heckings team have yet concede a goal at home in the competition and will be looking to make it three home wins in a row in Group B.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will be looking for their first away win in the group. The Premier League side have won just one of their last nine Champions League group stage away matches.

The home side can be backed at 5/4 with Bet365 or to Win to Nil at 3/1.

Published on: 06/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (06/12/2015 11:43:50) but are subject to change.