Manchester United will be looking to keep their Champions League hopes alive on Wednesday night in Istanbul.
Galatasaray are slight favourites to come away with three points which would put an end to our chances of progression into the knockout phase. It doesn’t help that United have a dire away record, especially in Europe, or the fact the Turkish giants won the reverse fixture 3-2 at Old Trafford.
On top of that, it doesn’t bode well that across the opening four matchdays in the Champions League this season, no team has dropped more points from winning positions than United (six). That needs to be addressed this week with a win.
United are currently bottom of Group A with three defeats from four matches.
Having endured an unsuccessful two-year spell at Old Trafford between 2013 and 2015, Wilfried Zaha will be looking to add to his account against United. He did that already in the group stage.
United have had their share of injuries this season but at least Rasmus Hojlund is back, although Marcus Rashford has been ruled out due to suspension after his red card against FC Copenhagen. Antony is also a contender to return to the line-up.
Hojlund has scored five goals in four Champions League appearances for United this season. The Denmark international missed Sunday’s 3-0 win over Everton with a hamstring injury, but he was seen training with the first-team at Carrington before the squad flew to Istanbul.
Head-to-head
Galatasaray failed to win any of their first five European games against United.
However, the Turkish giants have won each of their last two matches against the Reds.
What I find more worrying is the fact United have never scored an away goal against Galatasaray. The concern comes from the feeling of needing more than one goal to get three points tonight.
Prediction
I’m predicting a big night in Europe for United. Most will fancy Galatasaray because of our form in the Champions League as well as the Turks having home advantage in a hostile atmosphere.
We need the team to pull together. A big performance. Take control of the situation.
United are up against it, but I’m going for a 2-1 win. Hojlund to add to his account.
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