Champions League / Ben Lyttleton / 20 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Manchester United will have to overcome jet lag, the cold and injuries if they are to get anything out of this trip to CSKA Moscow but there is a gulf in class between the sides nonetheless and all things considered, a share of the spoils is likely, says Ben Lyttleton.

"And what of the 2005 Uefa Cup winners? They looked outclassed in their
opening group match defeat at Wolfsburg, but by the time they beat Besiktas
2-1 on Matchday Two, you could see the training-ground work done by new
coach Juande Ramos paying dividends."

Manchester United may have happy memories of Moscow ­ on their last visit to the city, they beat Chelsea in the Champions League final ­ but this trip may not be so easy for them. For a start, the Premier League leaders will be without five of the players that helped them beat Bolton at the weekend, and not just any five.

Wayne Rooney (calf strain) leads the casualties while other key players to miss out include Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra. Given that Evra is the only regular in the back-five at the moment, and Giggs and Fletcher have become increasingly important in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves, it is a hugely weakened side that takes on Russia's fourth-placed team. Yet at least they can probably call upon Nemanja Vidic, who returns to the city where he made his name: he spent two years atSpartak Moscow, so can expect a colourful welcome from the hosts.

And what of the 2005 Uefa Cup winners? They looked outclassed in their opening group match defeat at Wolfsburg, but by the time they beat Besiktas 2-1 on Matchday Two, you could see the training-ground work done by new coach Juande Ramos paying dividends.

CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, a player linked with United in recent weeks, has praised Ramos for turning the team around. "We have not had much stability this season but since he's arrived the situation is a lot better," he said. "We work a lot on fitness and we feel stronger than before. And we also talk about tactics and game strategy, which we feel has made a big impact."

And in Alan Dzagoev, the teenage striker who has scored in both group games so far, CSKA have a Rooney-type figure of their own. Dzagoev has looked very impressive, which explains the reported interest from Real Madrid, and with United's defence looking less solid than in previous seasons, he will fancy adding to his tally.

No Russian side has reached the Champions League last 16 since Lokomotiv Moscow got there in 2004, before losing on away goals to eventual finalists Monaco. CSKA and Zenit have both won the Uefa Cup since, but it would represent true success for Ramos to steer his new side into the knockout phase this season. Taking even one point at home against United might be a step in the right direction.

Recommended bets:

Back the Draw @ [3.35]
Both teams to score @ [1.86]

Tags: Champions League betting, Champions league odds, CSKA Moscow v Man Utd, Ryan Giggs, Wayne rooney injury