CSKA Moscow will be hosting the Premier League giants Manchester United in the Champions League match on September 27 at CSKA's home turf, the VEB Arena in Moscow, Russia.
That's the same historical soccer stadium where United won the 2008 Champions League final against the Spanish giants Barcelona. However, except for Michael Carrick, none of the squad’s current players are from that era. Carrick will be playing at Old Trafford until the end of the current season. United is currently unbeaten this season. They have won five of their first six Premier League games.
In the Champions League, United has played its first match against Basel and won by 3-0.
CSKA had a great start to the season, winning the first group stage match 2-1 against Portugal's Benfica, and has won three of the last five games. An injury to their star midfielder, Mario Fernandez, could be a major blow for the Russian team, considering the defense that United is playing right now.
Mario Fernandes suffered a concussion against Dinamo yesterday pic.twitter.com/CCj1YJMNIj
— PFC CSKA Moscow (@PFCCSKA_en) September 24, 2017
What to expect in this Champions League clash
Both teams have started off the new season with some impressive performances. United is in the best form since the Fergie era.
The team has won three matches this season by an impressive goal score of 4-0 against West Ham, Swansea, and Basel. Last year, fans were accusing United boss José Mourinho of parking-the-bus in every game after scoring one or two goals. Unlike the last season, United is looking ruthless and plays an attacking game until the end of a match.
United striker, Romelu Lukaku has had a significant impact on the squad since his arrival at Old Trafford. He has scored eight goals in eight games for his new club, whereas United goalkeeper, De Gea has managed to keep five clean-sheets in the six Premier League games.
It will be a tough task for CSKA to deal with United while they’re playing in this kind of form.
CSKA won its first Champions League Game against Benfica, but this time, a team from the toughest league is coming to face them. CSKA has to give everything they can to stop United and to let them take all three crucial points.
Lineup and score predictions
Marouane Fellaini and Luke Shaw haven't traveled with the team to Russia. There were some speculations that the Belgium International (Fellaini) was limping after the Southampton match.
Manchester United possible lineup:
- GK: David De Gea
- Defenders: Darmian, Bailly, Jones, Blind
- Midfielders: Herrera, Carrick
- Attacking Mid- Mata, Mkhitaryan, Martial
- Striker - Lukaku
En route to Moscow with @Aeroflot. 🇷🇺✈️ pic.twitter.com/VyYlFx9yXL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2017
Next up, a @ChampionsLeague trip to CSKA Moscow - let's keep the winning run going! #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/vPRcUCwFjv
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2017
CSKA Moscow possible lineup
- GK: Igor Akinfeev
- Defence: Vasily, Vasin, Sergey
- Midfielders: Nababkin, Golovin, Wernbloom, Dzagoev, Shchennikov
- Attack: Vitinho, Zhamaletdin
Mario Fernandez is unlikely to play for CSKA against United after a severe injury.
The decision on his availability for the game against Man Utd will be taken after the medical tests #CSKA
— PFC CSKA Moscow (@PFCCSKA_en) September 24, 2017
United is the favorite to win this match, since the team has been performing up to mark this season. With lethal attacking players like Martial, Mkhitaryan, and Lukaku, United can finish this game by 2-0 or 3-0.