Shakhtar vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Manchester United take on Shakhtar Donetsk tonight looking to get back to winning ways after a difficult few weeks in the Premier League.

The defending champions currently sit 12th in the league table after a shock 2-1 defeat to West Brom on Saturday made it United’s worst start in over 24 years.

David Moyes will therefore be hoping to ease the pressure with a win tonight and maintain his sides 100% start in Europe following a 4-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Old Trafford two weeks ago.

However, it will not be an easy task as they face a dangerous Shakhtar side at the Donbass Arena. The Ukrainian champions also registered a comfortable victory in their opening game with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in Spain, so the victors tonight will take control of the group and move a huge step closer to qualification to the knockout stages.

Shakhtar have an excellent recent record against English sides at home, winning all three of their previous games, so United know their in for a tough match this evening.

Team News

Moyes has confirmed that striker Robin van Persie is fit and available after making a second half substitute appearance against West Brom at the weekend. The Dutchman is expected to return to the starting line-up in place of Javier Hernandez with Wayne Rooney playing just behind him.

Rio Ferdinand has been left back home due to a minor groin problem so Nemanja Vidic is likely to start alongside Jonny Evans at the back while Patrice Evra and Rafael are both also in line for recalls having been rested at the weekend.

Anderson, Fabio and Wilfried Zaha have all been left out of the squad, but Danny Welbeck and Marouane Fellaini are both pushing for recalls.

Shakhtar have been boosted with the news that star striker Luiz Adriano is expected to be passed fit to play after training on Tuesday ahead of the game. Boss Mircea Lucescu has no other injury worries to contend with.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Nemanja Vidic: Shakhtar are an extremely dangerous outfit, particularly on the break, and striker Adriano is their main threat along with youngster Taison. Keeping them quiet will be key to keeping a clean sheet tonight and captain Vidic will have to use all his experience to marshal the back-line.

Predicted Score

Shakhtar 1-1 Man Utd: The two clubs are favourites to progress from Group A and I can see the Ukrainian side causing United problems and taking something away from the game.

What would be your starting line-up and what’s your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.