Champions League Preview: Istanbul Basaksehir

Istanbul Basaksehir vs Manchester United | Champions League | Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium | KO: 17:55 (UK) | BT Sport

It really feels like one step forwards and two steps backwards for Manchester United at the moment. The club demolished RB Leipzig 5-0 last week, before a drab performance against Arsenal saw them lose 1-0, marking the second Premier League match in a row that United have failed to score.

The Reds now face Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir away from home on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League, hoping to make it a surprising three wins from three in the competition. Should they win on Wednesday, United will realistically need just one point from their final three games to see themselves into the round of sixteen.

A victory in Turkey will all depend on which side show up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. If it’s the side of United that looked unbeatable against Leipzig, it will be an easy three points; if it’s the side we’ve seen in the Premier League so far this season, then it will be a much tougher ask.

How Do Manchester United Look?

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Manchester United, yet again, escaped their last match without any fresh injury concerns.

Brazilian Fullback Alex Telles returned to Carrington on Monday, following his positive COVID-19 test, but left shortly after and is still expected to be out for the clash against the side from Istanbul.

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Alex Telles arrived at Carrington this morning only to leave 15 minutes later after his corona virus test. [MEN]⁣ ⁣ So he’s probably tested positive again 😔⁣ ⁣ Follow @downthewings_

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Jesse Lingard has now returned to training following his injury, but has not travelled with the squad for this week’s match.

Edinson Cavani is yet to start for United, following his deadline day signing, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given an update on his fitness, and where he is in terms of expected game time.

On the Uruguayan, the boss said “He’s getting his sharpness in training and he’s got some substitute appearances now. We haven’t managed to get him long enough yet to make a big impact, but he’s looking sharper and sharper in training so it won’t be long.”

Both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are still injured and will take no part in the match, whilst many are tipping Axel Tuanzebe to get a start, after his solid performance against Paris Saint Germain in matchday one of the Champions League.

Opposition: Istanbul Basaksehir

Istanbul Basaksehir are a side rife with ex-Premier League players. Former Liverpool hardman Martin Skrtel will be looking to get one over his old rivals, as he will be expected to line-up at centre half on Wednesday.

Nacer Chadli and Demba Ba, formerly of Tottenham and Chelsea, will also be expected to face United.

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It is, however, an Old Trafford favourite that will get most attention ahead of this one. Rafael Da Silva, a cult hero for many a United fan, will have supporters keen to see what he still has in his locker. The passion of the Brazilian will be seen throughout, as he showed so many times at United. He will likely be desperate to prove himself to those who doubted him at the club.