MANCHESTER UNITED vs BENFICA – UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

KICKOFF – 22 November 2011, 19:45 GMT at OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER

GROUP TABLE POSITION – 1 

FORM GUIDE – WWWWW    

GROUP TABLE POSITION - 2

FORM GUIDE – DDWWW

PREVIEW:

Manchester United face Benfica in the Champions League knowing that a win would take them to the next round of the Champions League.

United are currently level on points with Benfica in Group C. United will be looking to progress to the last 16 as the table toppers.

United are currently struggling with injuries and suspensions. Nemanja Vidic is suspended after  his straight red card against Otelul Galati. Jonny Evans could start in Vidic’s absence.

 Cleverley and Owen will be out for quite some time.  Welbeck, Smalling and Ashley Young could make a return.

Wayne Rooney is expected to start the game. There was an injury scare due to which he missed Monday’s training session. But he expected to be fit for the game.

United have now won five consecutive matches in all competitions and kept clean sheets in all the games. Although United have not played the expansive brand of football, they have done enough to get the results.

This won’t be an easy game against Benfica who held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in the first game of the group stage.

With both teams looking to advance to the last 16, this should be an open and exiting game.