Premier League heavyweights Manchester United take on CSKA Moscow in their third UEFA Champions League game from the Group B on Wednesday night at the Arena Khimki in Moscow.
The Red Devils currently stay on in the second spot in the table with a win and a loss so far. And the Russian side also have the same number of points from the same number of games.
However, on paper, the English side looks stronger.
Louis van Gaal's side come into the game at the backdrop of a 3-0 win in the Premier League against Everton on the weekend, and that should give enough confidence to the side as they take on CSKA Moscow. However, will the upcoming Manchester Derby in the English league this Sunday will have some bearing on the manager's plans for the game?
"For me, as a manager, the next match is the most important match. I don't think about Manchester City [on Sunday]. I only think about CSKA Moskva and I have to focus on this match," the Dutchman said.
"I demand that also from my players. We have already lost one game against PSV away and we want to gain one point at least. That is why it is a very important match for us."
United's Argentine defender Marcos Rojo is expected to feature in the game on Wednesday night in the left-back, and the 25-year-old might attract some hostile fans as he takes on the field. Rojo has played in the past for CSKA's arch-rivals Spartak Moscow.
"I didn't know that Marcos Rojo played for Spartak Moscow, but I saw him in the World Cup in Brazil when he played very well for Argentina," Van Gaal said cheekily in the pre-match briefing.
"I analysed him at Sporting Lisbon. What I like is that he is physically a very strong guy, he is a good header and his pass is fast. I think there is great potential in him to become a very good player for Manchester United."
The home side are not giving up their hope by any means as they hope for a favourable result against the visitors. "We are only bothered about the result of this match and not how many balls [goalkeeper Igor] Akinfeev fails to catch. If it ends up 10-9 to us, that will be fine," CSKA coach Leonid Slutski said. "We have a team with plenty of experience. We have played a lot of games against big clubs – some have gone well, some a little worse – so we're ready. These back-to-back matches are always crucial; we have to respect our opponents and be aware that we are up against a giant side, but we have the right to hope for a positive result," he added.
Team news
CSKA Moscow - Except for Israeli midfielder Bibras Natkho -- who has a concussion -- Leonid Slutski will have a fit squad at his disposal. Vasili Berezutski however also remains doubtful for the game due to a thigh injury.
Manchester United - Luke Shaw (broken leg), Ashley Young (calf), Paddy McNair (stomach), and James Wilson (illness) have been ruled out of the game.
Expected line-up
CSKA Moscow: Akinfeev; Fernandes, V Berezutski, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Wernbloom, Tošić, Eremenko, Dzagoev; Musa, Doumbia.
Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Rooney, Depay; Martial.
Where to watch live
Get CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United highlights HERE
CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United kicks off at 8.45pm CET (12.15am IST, 7.45pm BST, 3.45pm ET). Viewers in India can catch the game on Ten Sports, and also stream the game online at Ten Sports Live.
Viewers in the UK can catch the game on BT Sport Europe, and also stream the game online at BT Sport Live. Viewers in the US can catch the game on Fox Sports 2, as well as stream the game online onFox Sports Go and FoxSoccer2Go.
Viewers in Russia can catch the game on NTV Russia, as well as stream it online on NTV+ Sport Online.
