Champions League Preview: Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir

Manchester United vs Istanbul preview, Bruno Fernandes Manchester United

Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir | Champions League | Old Trafford | KO: 20:00 GMT |BT Sport

Following their less than impressive 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday night, Manchester United now return to UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday, facing Istanbul Basaksehir at Old Trafford.

The Turkish side are the only of United’s three opponents to have beaten them so far in the competition this season, in a 2-1 victory in Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium, meaning the reverse fixture this time around might not be as straight forward as it may seem.

How Do Manchester United Look?

United didn’t face any fresh injury concerns following the match against West Brom, which will be a relief for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, given the upcoming fixture congestion for his side.

Luke Shaw and Phil Jones both remained side-lined with long-term injuries, Jesse Lingard is unavailable as he is self-isolating after coming into contact with a COVID case, whilst Paul Pogba still remains a doubt, although details on his injury are yet to emerge.

Embed from Getty Images

Edinson Cavani is yet to make his first start for the club, but the lack of form of Anthony Martial suggests that the Uruguayan should expect to begin a match soon, with Tuesday’s fixture being the perfect opportunity.

Dean Henderson started the reverse fixture in Turkey, and it is likely that he will do the same again at Old Trafford, given his lack of game time in other competitions.

Opposition: Istanbul Basaksehir

Istanbul Basaksehir shocked a number of people with their victory over The Reds at the start of the month.

Embed from Getty Images

Former Premier League star Demba Ba shone, finishing off a fast counter attack, whilst Bosnian Edin Visca scored the side’s second, and decisive, goal.

United fan favourite Rafael is set to return to Old Trafford on Wednesday, and will undoubtedly be wishing he could run out in front of a packed Stretford End one final time, but sadly that will not be the case.

Key Stats

Should United win, and RB Leipzig beat Paris Saint Germain, The Reds will be all but mathematically qualified for the next round, thanks to their superior goal difference.

Although their Premier League home form is disappointing, United won 5-0 over Leipzig in their only Champions League home match so far this season.

Embed from Getty Images

Istanbul Basaksehir’s only ever Champions League win, and their only ever goals, came against United in the reverse fixture.