Manchester United will resume their Champions League campaign against Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir. The Red Devils will host Basaksehir on matchday four of the competition. So far the Premier League season has been topsy and turvy for United but they have relatively done well in the Champions League.
They won their first two games against PSG and Leipzig. However, Basaksheri stunned them at in Turkey as they defeated them 2-1 at home. Out of all the Champions League fixtures in the Champions League, this one was supposed to be the easiest one for the Red Devils. However, it turned out to be a banana skin for them.
Okan Buruk’s side will be determined to do a repeat at Old Trafford as well. However, their domestic campaign hasn’t started very well. Currently, they are seven points behind leaders Alanyaspor, who have a game in hand. They should get a little boast from the fact that United have lost three of their last four games against Turkish opposition.
However, at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have won their last six home games in European competitions. Istanbul Basaksehir has played three times against English opposition. They drawn one, lost one and they have won their last game against United 2-1. Recently Manchester United also registered there first home win the Premier League by beating West Brom 1-0 in a controversial manner.
Analysis
Last season Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood were in great form. However, they are yet to replicate that form this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side did sign Edinson Cavani but he is yet to show his best form. It must be a big worry for Ole for United’s lack of scoring this season.
The Turkish side will try to exploit the space behind the likes of Maguire and Lindelof. The Red Devils will bring the game to them and they will sit back and try to defend. Burno Fernandes or Van de Beek will play in between the lines to support the front three. Basaksehir is likely to use similar tactics that they used in the reverse fixture.
They will try to play with more intensity and desire. Thus the Red Devils have to be careful, if they are lethargic in the game, it could cost them heavily. Basaksehir will also try to limit the influence of Burno Fernandes, who has been in excellent form. Demba’s experience in big games will also be handy.
Okan Buruk’s side will try to play long balls to Ba and he will try to hold up the play for others to come in. However, if the Red Devils are able to get the early goal, then they could be in for an easy ride. They will try to pass the ball around quickly in order to create spaces and the likes of Rashford or James will run at defenders.
Team News and Injury Update
Manchester United
Luke Shaw is still recovering from an injury he picked up against Everton at Goodison Park. Paul Pogba missed the West Brom game due to a minor ankle problem. However, he is expected to be fit enough to participate in this game. Eric Baily Jesse Lingard and Mason Greenwood are still recovering from their respective injuries, though it is possible they Baily might feature in the game. Phil Jones is a long term absentee.
Istanbul Basaksehir
The Belediyesi will welcome goalkeeper Mert Günok who recently tested corona positive. However, now he has been tested negative for the virus. However, it still unclear whether midfielder Danijel Aleksic will be available for the game or not.
Ones to watch out for
Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solkjaer will be hopeful that Burno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford can run the game for the Red Devils. Juan Mata’s vision will be crucial for them to unlock the Basaksehir’s stubborn defense. Thus he will be the player to watch out for.
Istanbul Basaksehir
Demba and Martin Skrtel’s experience will be significant for the team. Edin Višća got the goal last time and Deniz Türüç has been in fine form. These two will be the players to watch out for.
Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Head to Head stats
This will only be their second meeting ever as Basakeshir are making their Champions League debut. In the last meeting between the two Basaksehir turned out to be the 2-1 winners against Manchester United.
Predicted Line Ups and Prediction
Manchester United: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Telles, Van de Beek, McTominay, Mata, Fernandes, Rashford, Cavani.
Istanbul Basaksehir: Günok, Rafael, Skrtel, Epureanu, Mbombo, Topal, Kahveci, Visca, Ozcan, Turuc, Ba.
The post Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Preview, Team News, Line Up, and Prediction appeared first on The12thMan.
