With the knockout stage already secured,
Manchester United's main motivation in this match is to clinch first place in Group B. This weekend they faced
Everton FC at Old Trafford and easily took care of them with a 3-0 scoreline. They are currently 2nd in the Premier League and have an easier matchup this coming weaking against struggling Portsmouth.
Dimitar Berbetov and
Johnny Evans are the only injury problems that
Sir Alex Ferguson will face, but even so he may rest some of this first team regulars. Despite this, in-form strikers such as
Michael Owen will likely see some playing time and Ferguson's midfielders are also in good scoring form. Unlike their last match against Besiktas, expect this one to be energetic as the Red Devils impress their home fans at Old Trafford.
After a miserable start to both domestic and European campaigns,
Besiktas have had key victories in the Turkish Superliga against rivals Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor. Their last match was a 3-0 defeat of the Istanbul giants
Fenerbahce, and this should boost their confidence. However, they have only managed to pick up 1 point from all matches in Group B and definitely enter
Old Trafford as the underdogs. Manager
Mustapha Denizli is missing several key players, so don't expect an attacking strategy in this match. However, their motivation to reconcile poor European play may give their play a boost.
Although
Manchester United will be resting a few key players for their domestic campaign,
Besiktas also have several players out. An early goal will open up the scoring in this game as
Besiktas will try to make up for their disappointing performance in Europe thus far.
Manchester United vs. Besiktas
Wednesday November 25, 2009
Kickoff: 20:45 CET
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 1.75 @ Bet365
