Manchester United welcome CSKA Moscow to Old Trafford in the midst of a crucial week for Jose Mourinho’s men. Defeat to Basel last time out has left United needing a point from this game to absolutely guarantee progress to the knockout stages whilst CSKA will be hoping to pull off one of the all-time Champions League upsets.
Champions League – Old Trafford, Manchester – Tuesday 5th December – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 49/11 at Unibet |
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Manchester United
CSKA MoscowManchester United
The festive period is notoriously difficult for football teams but Manchester United have a week ahead of them that will test their resilience domestically and in Europe. The reds face Arsenal before this crucial Champions League encounter and have the small matter of the Manchester Derby on December 10th. With 4 wins from their opening 5 games in the Champions League, the reds have been in good form with their only blip coming against Basel. Star striker Romelu Lukaku has scored 3 goals in the competition – a tally he will be looking to improve upon here.
CSKA Moscow
CSKA Moscow have been the surprise package in Group A – winning 3 of their 5 games, including home and away wins over Benfica and a victory over Basel. With 9 points from 5 games played, they have an outside chance of qualification – provided they can win at Old Trafford – a feat no team has managed this season. Pontus Wernbloom has been employed as a striker this season – a decision that has paid dividends with the Swedish international bagging 4 goals already this term.
Head to Head
CSKA Moscow have never beaten Manchester United in a competitive fixture – United have won 3 of the 5 meetings between the sides whilst another 2 have ended in draws. United were resounding winners in the reverse fixture on match day 2 – winning 4-1 in the Russian capital thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku (x2), Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Odds and Predictions
Manchester United have only conceded 2 goals at Old Trafford all season, in all competitions.
Both teams to score – NO – is good value at 7/10 with William Hill.
Romelu Lukaku hasn’t been in great form recently but always poses a serious threat.
Romelu Lukaku to score anytime is a strong bet at 8/13 with Uni Bet.
Manchester United will want to assert their home advantage here and put CSKA to bed.
Manchester United to be leading at half time and full time represents a good punt at 23/20 with Coral.
Manchester United won’t want to give any glimmer of hope to CSKA and will take the game to them.
Manchester United to win the match looks a certainty at 2/5 with Ladbrokes.
Score Prediction
Manchester United 2 – 0 CSKA Moscow – 6/1 with Bet Victor.
Top Betting Tip
Manchester United could be feeling the pressure in the midst of a busy week but they should have the experience to deal with it. Manchester United to win the match to nil is good value at 6/5 with Sporting Bet.