Gameday: Bursaspor vs. United

That's where we're playing.

The 411:
Amer's got IB exams, so I'll be filling in. We like to keep things professional here, which is why I'm pointing it out so as not to soil the good rep that he's built for himself!

Onwards! Buoyed by 4 wins on the trot in all competitions, we've got a tough game in Turkey against Bursaspor. Champions League matches are always fun, but our record in Turkey isn't.

Our European Conquest:
We're currently top of Group C and a win against the Turkish champions can take us that much closer to qualifying for the next round. The last game against Bursaspor at Old Trafford wasn't really anything to get excited about, but I said in the Aftermath that a win was a win. I certainly wouldn't mind a similar result tonight.

Where We Stand:
1 United|3PLD|2GD|7PTS
2 Rangers|3PLD|1GD|5PTS
3 Valencia|3PLD|3GD|4PTS
4 Bursaspor|3PLD|-6GD|0PTS

Enemy Form:
Bursaspor are W-D in their last 2 matches in the Turkish League since we played them at OT, the latest of which was a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce, who Wayne Rooney famously laid to waste, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. But let's not get side-tracked.

Like before, I've got absolutely no idea what this would necessarily entail, except it seems like they've just come off a large-ish match.

Their form in Europe, however, is something I can understand and it's appalling. They haven't yet clocked in their first ever European goal, let alone their first ever point. It promises to be a tough test for them, but they'll have home advantage.

Players to Look Out For:
I'm far too lazy to look up their team and look for form players. I know Amer would, but I've got a Chemistry exam tomorrow. From memory, they didn't seem to make that big an impact at Old Trafford. I don't think I can even remember a name, which is unfortunate 'cause it would've paid well now.

What I do know is that Sir Alex picked out Volkan Sen as Bursaspor's danger man at his press conference. Watch out for him, then!



On the Home Front:
Things are looking up for us, I think we've turned the corner. 4 wins from the last 4 games cannot be understated. Chicharito's nabbed 3 in 4 as well, so he's by far our form striker.

But, he started alongside Berbatov on the weekend, and has played 4 games in 2 weeks, so I'm doubting whether he'd start. Especially since we're in Turkey. But he certainly is the form striker, seeing as Berba's goal-scoring activity has once again decreased slightly.

I'm backing Nani to take advantage of his good form, in one way or another. He'll wreak havoc.

TSR's Thoughts:
1. Can you see why Amer does these normally?
2. Can we keep our European sheet clean? 3 games, 0 conceded!
3. I think Sir Alex will start with Park - hardworking, pack the midfield away in Europe, but will opt for Obertan before too long - quick, razor sharp and creative. Creativity and someone running at the defence, always good.



Come on, boys.