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Manchester United vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Preview & Predictions

Manchester United host Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday aiming to get their Champions League campaign back on track.

United still lead the way in Group H despite being beaten 2-1 in the reverse fixture and they can ill-afford another slip-up at Old Trafford.

The latest matchbook odds rate the Red Devils as favourites to defeat Basaksehir and boost their hopes of qualifying for the round of 16.

Read on as we preview the fixture and assess United’s hopes of going on to win the Champions League this season.

Solskjaer set to Shuffle His Pack

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to shake up his starting XI as he strives to guide United safely through the group phase.

Luke Shaw and Phil Jones both miss the game, while Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly remain doubtful for the home side.

According to Man Utd blog RedRants.com, Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood are expected to return to the squad, while Edinson Cavani may be handed a start up front.

Victor Lindelof has been struggling with a back problem in recent weeks and could be replaced by Axel Tuanzebe after playing the full game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

United on a Recovery Mission

United were making smooth progress in Group H prior to the defeat in Turkey and will be eager to make amends at Old Trafford.

They kicked-off their Champions League fixtures with a 2-1 win at Paris Saint-Germain, before romping to a 5-0 victory at home to Red Bull Leipzig.

However, they produced a poor display in Istanbul as goals by Demba Ba and Edin Visca helped the Turkish side secure a 2-1 success.

United have finished first in their Champions League section 15 times, and a win on Tuesday would give them a great chance of enhancing that impressive record.

Basaksehir Keen to Impress

Basaksehir secured their first Champions League group stage appearance by becoming only the sixth club to lift the Turkish Super Lig title last season.

They lost 2-0 in both of their first two games in the competition against Leipzig and PSG, before deservedly defeating United on Matchday 3.

The Istanbul club have conceded eight goals their last three European away games, and have lost ten of their 16 away matches in Europe overall.

Basaksehir have conceded 33 goals in those fixtures, and it would be a major shock if they managed to take anything from their first visit to Old Trafford.

Odds Stacked Against United

There are nine teams ahead of United in the Champions League betting, and it is difficult to argue with that assessment.

Their performances have been inconsistent this season, and their record at Old Trafford leaves a lot to be desired.

Despite this, the Red Devils should make it through to the last 16 and if they can win the group that could potentially give them an easier route to the final. Whether they possess enough quality to topple the likes of Bayern Munich is debatable, although United have been known to defy the odds before

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By RedManc

RedMancunian is the number one source for Manchester United news, insight and opinion on the most successful football club in the English top flight. RedMancunian was founded at the end of the 2011/2012 football season. We hope to provide insight on football matters related to Manchester United and provides a sense of what the club was and is all about. Follow RedMancunian on Twitter - @RedMancunian