Manchester United have been drawn in a pretty tough Champions League group, facing three sides all capable of qualifying for the knockout stages. First up for David Moyes' team is Bayer Leverkusen, who travel to Old Trafford confident, after a successful start to their Bundesliga season.
Manchester United vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview and TV schedule
Manchester United start their Champions League campaign with a tough match at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
More from our team blogs: Manchester United blog The Busby Babe
Sami Hyypiä‘s team have picked up 12 points from their opening five matches, currently sitting third in the Bundesliga. United will be their toughest test yet, though they certainly have the potential to take points from Moyes’ team in their first trip to Old Trafford since 2002.
United have a string of doubts ahead of the meeting, with Danny Welbeck joining a list already containing Phil Jones, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael. Marouane Fellaini could make his first start after making his debut from the bench in the weekend's win over Crystal Palace, while Fábio is expected to battle with Chris Smalling for a start at right-back.
Bayer Leverkusen have Niklas Lomb and Dominik Kohr both unavailable, though their real concerns are the doubtful midfielders Lars Bender and Gonzalo Castro. Both are instrumental parts of Hyypiä‘s starting 11, though could miss out on this game through injury.
Manchester United Injuries and suspensions
Out: Darren Fletcher (illness). In doubt: Danny Welbeck (knee), Phil Jones (ankle), Shinji Kagawa (flu), Rafael (hamstring).
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Niklas Lomb (ankle), Dominik Kohr (knee). In doubt: Lars Bender (hip), Gonzalo Castro (hamstring).
Projected lineups
Manchester United: David De Gea; Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidić, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling; Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick; Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia; Robin van Persie
Bayer Leverkusen: Bernd Leno; Sebastian Boenisch, Emir Spahić, Ömer Toprak, Giulio Donati; Gonzalo Castro, Stefan Reinartz, Lars Bender; Son Heung-Min, Stefan Stefan Kießling, Sidney Sam
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: Fox Soccer 1 (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), ITV 1 (U.K), Sky Sport 1 (Germany)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada), Sky Go (Germany)
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