Gameday: Valencia vs. United

The 411: 
United face Valencia at their home ground for the second round of group stage games in the UEFA Champions League. Looks like a tough one tonight folks, we're in for a treat.

Our European Conquest:
United are looking to kickstart their Champions League campaign with a win over Valencia tonight. We weren't so lucky against Rangers last time around, but hey, it's never easy to score goals against a team playing a 9-1 formation. Anywho, a stat being thrown around a lot is that United have only won once on Spanish soil in the 18 times that they've played here. I think we can start fixing that.

Where We Stand:
1|Valencia|1P|4GD|3PTS
2|United|1P|0GD|1PT
3|Rangers|1P|0GD|1PT
4|Bursaspor|1P|-4GD|0PTS

Enemy Form:
Valencia started their European campaign with a 4-0 win over Turkish side Bursaspor. Plus, they've managed to take top spot in La Liga, one point clear of Villareal and Barcelona and two ahead of Real Madrid. I'm gonna knock on wood here, but I think the Spanish league might just be a tad more competitive this year. Valencia's last game was a 2-0 win against Sporting Gijon and you can bet that they'll be going into this game full of confidence.

No more of this, please?

Players to Look Out For:
Juan Mata is developing into a very good winger for both club and country and us United fans will get to see him first hand tonight. Mata is picking up David Silva's spot as the club's number one winger and we're going to have to watch him as he can be a threat on the break. We should also be wary of Joaquín, another winger who has the skill-set to take on the best full backs in the world. Evra better be up for this game, as well as whoever our right back is.

As for us, I'd say Dimitar Berbatov and Nani are the keys to our success tonight. With no Scholes, Rooney, or Giggs in the squad, our creativity is going to have to come from these two. Seeing as these two guys have been on fire recently, I don't really have a problem with that. Also, if Michael Owen plays, expect to see some clinical finishing. He's gotten three goals in his last two appearances and I think this could be his comeback year. Finally, if Sir Alex decides to go with Darron Gibson in midfield, then you can expect our wingers to pull out wide and give space for him to smack in a Gibson Thunderbolt ©. He's played in few European matches so far and I wouldn't be surprised if he started this one.

On the Home Front:
As I've mentioned before, the traveling squad does not include Rooney, Scholes, and Giggs. All three are out injured. However the squad DOES include Bébé who although isn't likely to play, is a sign of the faith that United have in him. Most regulars are traveling and you guys should be expecting a very strong squad out there tonight.

Also, Anderson and Carrick have been deemed fit to play and could possibly join Fletcher in a three-man midfield which would help stem Valencia's attacking threat. Rio Ferdinand however, isn't guaranteed a spot tonight and rumor has it that this may be the beginning of the end for our number 5.

TSR's Thoughts:
1. When will we finally have a regular right back? This inconsistency is killing me...
2. Who will join Nemanja Vidic at the back tonight?
3. Will Michael Owen start tonight? And will his form continue against a tougher opposition?
4. Why is there no Obertan in the squad?

Glory, glory!