Match Preview: United vs Shakhtar

Manchester United and Shakhtar Donetsk go head-to-head in a game that means a lot for both teams. United need to take at least a point to ensure progression as group winners, whereas anything less than a win for Donetsk could leave the Ukrainian Champions vulnerable for Bayer Leverkusen to leapfrog them and qualify instead.

Moyes’ men need a confidence boost, but Shakhtar are no mugs. United will have to be on top form to topple todays visitors but so far the Old Trafford crowd have been treated to some excellent performances in Europe. I fancy that to continue today.

KO: 19:45
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: 10th December 2013

Manchester United have no fewer than seven injury concerns before the game against Shakhtar today. Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic both have knocks and will face late fitness tests, whereas Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling are doubts with a back problem and a hamstring injury respectively. Shinji Kagawa came down with an illness after the Everton game but he trained yesterday, and midfield duo Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher will miss out.

Shakhtar go into tonights game with a fully fit squad to choose from, they are also in a rich vein of form in contrast to United after remaining unbeaten in five matches.


See our predicted line-up here.

Topping the group could certainly lead to an easier tie in the last sixteen of the Champions League, so I expect Moyes to play the strongest team available.

Match prediction: United 2-1 Shakhtar

A result here is more important in terms of confidence than it is for position in the Champions League. The players need a boost and a win here would certainly improve that.

About Jordan Street 18923 Articles
Mancunian. Red through and through. Season Ticket holder block E332.

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