Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Thoughts From The Busby Babe

For Galati, expect to see Branko Grahovic between the posts and Sergui Costin with Milan Perendija as the center-back tandem. At right-back, Nejc Skubic and Cornel Rapa are candidates to start while Zoran Ljubinkovic and Adrian Salageanu are possibilities at left-back. In manager Dorinel Munteanu’s 4-2-3-1/4-2-1-3 shape, expect to see Gabriel Giurgiu and Ioan Filip in the center of the park in the band of two. Liviu Antal is expected on the right flank in attack while Laurentiu Bus is likely on the opposite left flank. Up front, Marius Pena is the lone man up front with John Ike Ibeh is a withdrawn from him in the center.

I’m thoroughly impressed. As for what’s actually going on with United, The Busby Babe feels like their team needs to be a little more clinical in front of goal. A failure to take easy chances usually comes back to bite teams on the road.

It would be quite shocking if United didn’t get numerous goal-scoring chances in the early portion of the match. The key will be to be clinical with their finishing and not allow Galati to grow into the match. A big crowd is expected and if United allow the home side to linger around, the crowd may become vociferous and could will their side into the game. Despite the two losses in Champions League thus far by the Otelarii, they are a side that have been competitive and close to earning a point against both Benfica and Basel -- two sides United have yet to defeat.

United have just two points from their first two Champions League matches and are in serious need of a win. This game kicks off at 2:45 pm ET, 7:45 pm BST and 8:45 pm local time from Bucharest, Romania.

For more on the game and the Red Devils, check out Manchester United blog The Busby Babe.