Manchester United vs Olympiakos preview

July 1, 2008
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Manchester United vs OlympiakosAs it stands now, Manchester United are the one that have nothing to lose given that the Red Devils have already suffered too many setbacks to count this term.

Meanwhile, Olympiakos arrive at Old Trafford with a two-goal lead from the first leg and they are confident of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

Manchester United are not exactly a club that would sack the manager after several disappointing results, but even they could soon lose patience with David Moyes.

The Red Devils have been eliminated from both domestic Cups, while the Premier League table certainly does not make pretty reading for them.

Following the embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to arch rivals Liverpool, the team are clearly out of the top 4 race with Champions League the only competition left to try and save some pride.

But given team’s poor home run and the two-goal deficit from the first leg, it is hardly surprising Manchester United are priced at 3.00 (2/1) to make it to the quarter-finals.

David Moyes reportedly plans to field a very experienced line-up in an attempt to produce a stunning comeback, with veteran Ryan Giggs considered for a starting place.

Juan Mata is ineligible having already played for Chelsea, whilst Jonny Evans, Nani, Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez are all injury doubts.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): De Gea – Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra – Valencia, Carrick, Jones, Januzaj – Rooney – Van Persie.

Having just clinched their fourth successive league title and 16th in last 18 years, Olympiakos clearly go into the clash at Old Trafford brimming with confidence.

The Greek giants have done really well in this year’s Champions League and they are now on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1999, when none other than Manchester United went to claim the title.

Olympiakos took great advantage of United’s problems to record a deserved 2-0 triumph in the first leg and they will clearly fancy their chances of progressing to the next stage.

Even if they are just 1.40 (2/5) to qualify, the Greeks are not without problems ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

First team regulars Javier Saviola, Jose Holebas and Michael Olaitan are all out, as are Ariel Ibagaza and Dimitris Siovas.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Roberto – Salino, Marcano, Manolas, Bong – Maniatis, Ndinga – Campbell, Dominguez, Fuster – Valdez.

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