The game at Old Trafford between the two teams in September finished 0-0 but was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Antonio Valencia. Man United sit top of the Group C table on 10 points, Valencia have seven. Rangers are two points behind them on five and Bursaspor are yet to pick up any. To prevent United from qualifying, the Scottish side will have to do what no side have done yet in this year’s competition, score against United.
Man United will be without first choice central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who are both being rested, which should mean starts for Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling. Darren Fletcher will also be missing after picking up an injury. Darron Gibson and Gary Neville missed Tuesday’s training session. Ryan Giggs and Anderson could both return after recovering from recent injuries.
Man United Squad: Van Der Sar, Amos, Rafael, O'Shea, Brown, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Fabio, Nani, Park, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Obertan, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Macheda and Bebe.
Rangers are without Madjid Bougherra, Andy Webster, Maurice Edu, James Beattie, Nikica Jelavic and Sasa Papac. However, David Weir, Ricky Foster, Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker are all expected to play.
Referee is Switzerland’s Massimo Busacca, he officiated the 2009 Champions League Final in Rome between Barcelona and Man United, which United lost 2-0.
I think it is wrong for United not to take the full squad. If we lose this game then we will need to beat Valencia at Old Trafford and that is no easy task. We could even stay out of the next stage.