Champions League preview
Man Utd return to Old Trafford for the first time since their derby disaster, while Man City will be hoping their goal rush continues.
By Chris Burton
Last Updated: 02/11/11 12:42pm
Manchester United return to Old Trafford for the first time since their derby disaster, while Manchester City will be hoping their goal rush continues.
Both sides still have work to do in order to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and will be aware that three points on Wednesday are imperative if they are to challenge for top spot in their respective groups.
Manchester United take in their first home date since being humiliated 6-1 by arch-rivals City and will want to put on a show against Otelul Galati, live on Sky Sports HD2.
The Red Devils were able to secure a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture last time out and will be looking for more of the same on Matchday Four.
Victory will ensure that United remain on course for qualification into the knockout stages, but favours from elsewhere would be most welcome.
Fright
FC Basel gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side a fright at the Theatre of Dreams on 27th September and the Red Devils will be keen for the Swiss outfit to produce a similar display when they travel to Portugal to take on Group C leaders Benfica.
Manchester City have taken four points from their three fixtures so far, but that return is only good enough for third place in Group A.
They could, however, clamber into the top two should they see off Villarreal on Wednesday and Napoli drop points on the road.
Roberto Mancini's side will feel that Lady Luck is on their side ahead of a trip to Spain, with their midweek opponents set to be without a number of key men through injury - including highly-rated striker Giuseppe Rossi.
City will be hoping to turn on the style at El Madrigal, with the Blues having netted 24 times in their last six outings in all competitions.
Shutout
The last time they failed to find the target was against Bayern Munich and Mancini will be looking for the German giants to secure another shutout when they welcome Napoli to the Allianz Arena.
Inter Milan may be enduring a tough time in Serie A, but they sit top of Group B and can strengthen their grip on that position with victory over reigning French champions Lille.
Elsewhere in the group, Trabzonspor and CSKA Moscow, who are locked together on four points, will seek to gain the upper hand in the race for a place in the next round.
Should Real Madrid emerge victorious in an away date at Lyon, they will join Primera Liga rivals Barcelona in booking their place in the knockout stages with two games to spare.
Ajax sit second in Group D heading into the latest round of fixtures and know victory over pointless Dinamo Zagreb will put them in pole position to secure a runners-up spot, with closest challengers Lyon to come in their next game.
