Manchester United has not only booked a spot in the next round, but has already booked first place in the group after winning its first four matches.
No other team in Group H can catch Man U as their 12 points give them an eight point advantage on second place Galatasaray and CFR Cluj. The team has not always played the best inspired soccer possible, but their depth and the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson has enabled them a clear-cut advantage over an otherwise weak slate of teams.
It is possible that given the minimal stakes, Ferguson may opt to rest his top guns such as Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney for most of the match. However he may want to lift the team's spirits after a dreadful 1-0 loss to Norwich City over the weekend. Either way, expect some starters to sit on the bench and some of the normal bench warmers to get starts. Javier Hernandez has been hot of late with seven goals in five matches for Man U and this could compel Ferguson to sit Van Persie and give him some much earned rest in preparation for the Round of 16.
Galatasaray currently does not live up to the same level as Man U and it must win its remaining matches if it has any hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
A hard earned 3-1 win over CFR Cluj in their last match erased their poor efforts against Man U and Braga in their two first tournament matches. The Turkish side may find themselves lucky to be facing a B Team if Ferguson opts to give players a rest, but if not they must be aggressive against one of the finest teams in the entire tournament. They have home support and should use it to their advantage.
Prediction: Even if Ferguson goes with a B-Team, I will make a bold prediction here and say that Galatasaray pulls the upset at home 2-1.
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. EST
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