Champions League Group B: Man Utd must win in Wolfsburg’s den
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | December 7, 2015
Wolfsburg v Manchester United
- Champions League Group B
- Tuesday, December 8th
- Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
- Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg
- Live on BT Sport Europe
Red Devils hoping past head-to-heads will help them through
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last four Champions League Group B games, yet still face a very possible prospect of not qualifying for the knockout rounds of the competition.
They sit one point above third-place PSV Eindhoven, who host CSKA Moscow in their final match, so almost certainly have to beat pool-toppers Wolfsburg away (9/4 with Coral to do so), which would see them finish first.
The Red Devils can take heart in the fact that they’ve won all three of their matches with Die Wolfe (5/4 favourites), including in the reverse fixture when Juan Mata and Chris Smalling ensured a close comeback 2-1 victory.
United without skipper Rooney again
Spaniard Mata has been in-form for Man Utd this term, even the club have not been the most impressive in attack, and is likely to start with injured captain Wayne Rooney not travelling to Germany. Back him at 10/3 to find the net anytime once more.
Wolfsburg lost 3-1 the last time they hosted this opposition back in 2009 on this very date, while they were defeated 2-1 away earlier that campaign. Louis van Gaal’s men, therefore, are a tempting 11/2 price to win and both teams score again.
Goals, though, have been worryingly hard to come by for the three-time European Cup winners, and at the weekend were stuck in a 0-0 stalemate at home to West Ham United.
The likes of Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay really have a point to prove and as the main attackers available will be key to United’s hope of progression. They are 15/8 and 2/1 respectively in the anytime market.
Die Wolfe spoilt for choice in attack
For hosts Wolfsburg, meanwhile, they have an array of attacking talent too, with Bas Dost (5/4), Max Kruse (15/8), Julian Draxler (11/4) and former Premier League forwards Nicklas Bendtner and Andre Schurrle (2/1) on their books.
German-born Italian Daniel Caligiuri got the sole goal for his team at Old Trafford, and can be backed at 9/4 to score anytime.
The injuries to Morgan Schneiderlin, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera too have not helped Man Utd’s hopes of qualification, but CSKA could do them a favour by drawing or beating PSV.
If the Dutch outfit fail to win, then a share of the spoils is all that is needed for Van Gaal, a result that is priced at 12/5.
Related
Take a look at our other Champions League content, as well as our Manchester United archive.
Coral’s top tip: As Man Utd have beaten Wolfsburg with both teams scoring in each of their three meetings, back them at an enticing 11/2 price to do so once more.
