Only a point separates Group A leaders Manchester United from second-place side Bayer Leverkusen, making their clash in Germany on Wednesday especially interesting. United romped to a pretty comfortable 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, though they shouldn't expect things so easy upon their trip to the BayArena.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Manchester United: Preview and TV schedule
There’s a big game in Group A on Wednesday, as Bayer Leverkusen look to leapfrog table-toppers Manchester United.
Michael Regan
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Bayer Leverkusen have won both of their group games at the BayArena so far this season, and have emerged victorious in all but two of their last 11 home Champions League matches. With United having only managed draws away at Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad this season, this game could be tough going.
However, the hosts will be without one of their star men in midfielder Sidney Sam, who is sidelined alongside Roberto Hilbert, Stefan Reinartz and Sebastian Boenisch. Robin van Persie is United's biggest absentee, with Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini also both unavailable. Rafael da Silva, Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidić and Shinji Kagawa are early doubts.
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Sidney Sam (thigh), Roberto Hilbert (knee), Stefan Reinartz (heel), Sebastian Boenisch (knee). In doubt: None.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Robin van Persie (groin), Michael Carrick (Achilles), Darren Fletcher (illness), Marouane Fellaini (suspended). In doubt: Rafael da Silva (ankle), Phil Jones (groin), Nemanja Vidić (concussion), Shinji Kagawa (foot).
Projected lineups
Bayer Leverkusen: Bernd Leno; Emre Can, Emir Spahić, Ömer Toprak, Giulio Donati; Simon Rolfes, Lars Bender, Gonzalo Castro; Son Heung-Min, Stefan Kießling, Jens Hegeler.
Manchester United: David De Gea; Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidić, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling; Tom Cleverley, Ryan Giggs; Adnan Januzaj, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia; Javier Hernández.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), Sky Sports 2/HD (U.K.), Sky Sport 1/HD, ZDF (Germany).
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada), Sky Go (U.K. and Germany), MUTV Online (U.K.).
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