Man Utd v Lyon preview

Giggs doubt for French test

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 4th March 2008

Ryan Giggs Manchester United training v Lyon

Giggs: Doubt

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Manchester United are likely to be without the experience of Ryan Giggs when they host French champions Lyon at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Giggs is still suffering the effects of a calf injury which he sustained in the 1-1 draw at the Stade Gerland in the first-leg.

The 34-year-old is Sir Alex Ferguson's only doubt as United bid to register a tenth consecutive home European win which will ensure a passage through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Away goal

Ferguson believes the Ligue 1 leaders will play an attacking game as they search for an all-important away goal.

"There is still work to do," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"Lyon have to score and they will try and play attacking football.

"But we have the bonus of scoring an away goal and we played better in the first leg than was suggested."

As well as the away goal advantage, the United boss believes the Old Trafford crowd will also be a significant influence on the outcome of the tie.

"Our home record in European football has been the foundation of our group-stage successes," he said.

"The atmosphere at Old Trafford helps. There is a big stimulant for the fans to come to European nights."

Lyon news

Lyon have no fresh injury worries ahead of the clash and go into the game full of confidence after their 1-0 league win over Lille on Saturday.

Alain Perrin also welcomed the return of Brazilian defender Cris at the weekend as his side arrive in Manchester at near full-strength.

Full-back Anthony Reveillere picked up his second caution of the competition in the first-leg, and as a result is unavailable through suspension.

The former Portsmouth boss substituted Karim Benzema, Juninho and Sidney Gouvou in the second-half of their weekend win to preserve them for Tuesday's crunch clash.

Perrin revealed that he believes United have the edge after Carlos Tevez's late away goal in the first-leg.

Perrin said: "That goal against us at home has turned the tide slightly in favour of Manchester United.

"We are effectively eliminated if the score stays the same, so we have to attack and commit ourselves but in the right way.

"However we know that United are very solid at the back and experienced."