Champions league: Manchester United vs. Sporting Lisbon

Sporting Lisbon will be traveling to Old Trafford trying to fight the feeling of being sacrificial lambs to the slaughter here. Manchester United in this edition of the Champions League have been, quite frankly, scary. They have not had any real problems at all in this group stage, playing four and winning four in quite an arrogant way.

For this game though, there is doubt whether Portuguese sensation Christian Ronaldo will be fit enough to play a part. He missed Saturday’s surprise defeat at the hands of Bolton and will be doubtful until just before kickoff. Man U’s injury worries are growing, and they are well aware that the important games of the season are just around the corner. This Champions League match might not be that important to a team that has practically qualified, or the next, but then the real season begins and coach Sir Alex will want to be able to choose from a full squad.

Sporting Lisbon meanwhile, are in third place in their domestic league, and ten points behind runaway leaders Porto. They drew at the weekend to modest Leixoes and are three games without a win. I doubt very much if they can pull off the win at Old Trafford, but might surprise some with a draw. They are aware that they need all three points if they are to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round. Currently, Sporting Lisbon are in third spot and three points behind Roma, who they have to play in the last game of this group stage.

I just can’t see Sporting Lisbon being up for this match. If it had been at their home stadium I might have gone for a win, but it being at Manchester’s theater of dreams they don’t really stand a chance, even if the hosts are without their best payers. If Roma are able to win as well, that will mean Sporting get thrown out of the competition, which is more than likely.

Prediction: Home win (3-1)