Champions League
2011-12-07 - F.C Basel vs Manchester United
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
The Red Devils goes into this match knowing that they must avoid a defeat here at all costs if they are to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
The three-time European Cup winners currently sit on eight points from five Group C matches, one behind leaders Benfica and one ahead of tonight's opponents Basel.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side could have had a much difficult test had it not been for Ashley Young who salvaged a point with a last minute header in the reverse fixture back in September.
Nevertheless, United will remain confident of progressing to the knockout stages for a fifth successive year due to their fantastic away record in the competition.
For the record, United have only lost one of their last 25 away matches in the Champions League and have never tasted defeat against the reigning Swiss champions.
Nevertheless Heiko Vogel's men will fancy their chances of an upset here as they head into tonight's fixture on the back of nine straight victories in domestic competitions.
Things could end up unexpectedly on the night and United could still end up group winners should they win in Basel and Benfica fail to overcome Otelul Galati in Lisbon.
Meanwhile, Basel have netted 23 times in nine home league matches this season. But it has to be said that the return of Chris Smalling alongside Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra has helped the Red Devils offer more protection to the inexperienced David de Gea in goal.
United must watch out for Swiss frontman and club top scorer Alexander Frei. Frei has bagged 15 goals in all competitions this term, including a brace against United in the earlier clash this season.
Team News :
Manhester United :
However, United head into the make or break fixture with a depleted attack after Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez were ruled out with ankle injuries. Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio also miss the game through injury, as do midfield duo Anderson (knee) and Tom Cleverley (ankle).
Wayne Rooney will lead the attack however the England man is experiencing a dry run as he has scored just once in his last seven starts.
Therefore Ferguson must decide whether to partner Rooney with international Danny Welbeck or to play his preferred 4-5-1 formation with Ryan Giggs, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Ji-Sung Park all eager to start.
Michael Carrick is ruled out through suspension and Ferguson must decide whether to retain Saturday's goal-scoring hero Phil Jones in the centre of midfield, or to go for the more experienced heads of Darren Fletcher and Giggs. United have kept six clean sheets in their last nine fixtures and their back four will have to keep it tight against the hosts.
FC Basel :
For Basel, While strikers Frei and Marco Streller will provide a direct attacking threat through the middle, it is right winger Xherdan Shaqiri who will look to provide the ammunition from midfield.
In defence, Basel will be hoping Austria international Aleksandar Dragovic can prevent Rooney scoring what could prove vital away goals for the Red Devils.
Prediction :
Take Manchester United to win and give the 3/4 ball here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Basel 0-1 Manchester United
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Manchester United to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet:
Manchester United to clear the 3/4 ball.
Manchester United to clear the 3/4 ball.
