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| Date:2nd October Day:Wednesday Time: 19:45 BST |
As David Moyes' Man Utd team embarks on their first European Away trip under the new manager they face a stern test in the form of Shaktar Donetsk. Here we look at the some facts and stats.
FORM GUIDE:
Last four games: W-L-W-L
United will be determined to bounce back from Saturday's Barclays Premier League defeat to West Brom by building on last month's 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the first UEFA Champions League fixture.
Last four games: W-W-W-D
Similarly, Shakhtar Donetsk kicked off their European campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory at Real Sociedad - and last Saturday they came back from two down to earn a 2-2 draw with local rivals Metallurg Donetsk in the Ukrainian Premier League.
INS and OUTS:
Robin Van Persie could start for the Reds after the Dutchman returned from injury as a substitute at the weekend. Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra may also feature, having been rested completely against the Baggies, while Marouane Fellaini will be hoping for his first United appearance abroad. United will be without Rio Ferdinand , Fabio, Anderson and Wiflred Zaha.
Shakhtar will be without Brazilian striker Wellington Nem, who was left out of their Champions League squad after picking up a knee injury following his summer move from Fluminense.
MAN UTD's FORM AGAINST UKRAINIAN OPPOSITIONS:
Utd have been unbeaten against Ukrainian teams having played 4 matches won 3 and drew 1 with 9 goals scored and 2 conceded.
Utd's biggest win against a Ukrainian opposition came in November 2007 against Dynamo Kiev when utd put 4 past their keeper.
LEAGUE POSITIONS:
Utd have played 6 games and are at 12th spot after a difficult start to the league Contrastingly Shaktar are sitting 3rd in their league after 11 games
TOP SCORERS:
Utd's top scorer has been Robin Van Persie with 6 goals in all competitions so far.
Shaktar's top scorer has been Luiz Adriano with 5 goals in all competitions.
STAR ON SHOW:
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| 144 Champions League appearances for Ryan Giggs, level with Real Madrid legend Raul. The Welshman will break the record if he plays tonight. |
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| 87 Goals for Luiz Adriano in 203 games for Shakhtar. The Brazilian has five in nine matches this season |
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| 29 Champions League goals for Wayne Rooney – the most by any Englishman in the competition. |
KEY BATTLES:
Key
battle will be in the middle of the park between Marouane Fellaini and
Douglas Costa.
Shaktar's attacking midfielder is a tricky little fellow and Fellaini
will have his work cut out for him and if he is able to keep him quite
Man utd should easily sail to victory.
Another key battle will be between Nemanja Vidic and Luiz Adriano as Adriano is in red hot form.
On the other end Shaktar's defenders Volovyk and Kucher will have their
hands full with red hot strikers in Rooney and Van Persie.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
For Utd its Wayne Rooney who is in red hot form and Jonny Evans who has returned to the starting line up with a bang. For Shaktar they are Costa and Adriano who are tricky fellows on their day.
MAN UTD's EUROPEAN AWAY RECORD:
Wins:15
Draws:7
Lost:1
Win percentage: 62.2%
Goals scored:34
Goals conceded:10 (Finals are classified as neutrals)
PREDICTED LINE UP FOR MAN UTD:
As Donbass arena awaits Man utd and it wont be easy by any means for the lads in red even though Shaktar have lost a few of their stars they are still a force to be reckoned with at their home and David Moyes will have to put right team out in order to get the result i.e Win.