Manchester United V Sporting Lisbon - By: Jonathan Walker

On Tuesday night Manchester United will face Portugese side Sporting Lisbon at Old Trafford in their last but one match in the group stage of this years Champions League Competition.

United of course faced Lisbon in their opening match of the tournament recording a 1-0 victory thanks to a headed goal by Ronaldo.

The goal was a well worked team effort with defender Wes Brown the creator with a fine right-wing cross, which Ronaldo diverted past goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic with a diving header. Many fans would have written the script that it would be Ronaldo who would score the winning goal, with Lisbon being the club that he left to join Man Utd four years ago. Young winger Nani also returned to his former club that night and was also applauded by the home supporters.

Lisbon did give United a few scares in the match though, with Edwin Van Der Sar having to make a good save from Liedson's shot in the first half and also made a great second half save from Tonel's header.

Since that match Man United have won all of their games in the group stage and have guaranteed their place in the second round. They may see this as an opportunity to give some experience to some of the second string and younger members of the squad.

If this is the case, young right back Danny Simpson could be involved as could central defenders Gerard Pique and Jonathan Evans. All three appeared in the 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev, with Pique getting on the score sheet.

With Wayne Rooney injured and Louis Saha not fully fit, United could give a chance to Dong Fangzhuo along side Carlos Tevez, or even as a lone striker with the attacking midfielders offering their support.

Sporting Lisbon enter this game in third place in the group, three points behind Roma with two games remaining. They have had a mixed start to the campaign, recording one win, one draw and two defeats.
If they are going to over take the Italian club and secure a second place finish, they will need to collect at least a point from this game. Manager Paulo Bento may fancy his sides chances of causing an upset should United omit many first team members from the squad. Expect the likes of Yannick Djalo and Argentine Leandro Romagnoli to start the game and look to cause the Man United defence problems.

If Sporting Lisbon can cause an upset in this match, they will be hoping that bottom side Dynamo Kiev can contain Roma at home before facing the Ukrainian side at the Estadio Jose Alvalade a week later.

In between those games Manchester United face Roma in Italy, that match may be competed under pre season conditions should Roma have also qualified by then.

About the Author

This article is written by Jonathan Walker of Manchester United V Sporting Lisbon

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