Champions League: Manchester United v Shakhtar Donetsk match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Champions League fixture at Old Trafford

Zander Swinburne
Tuesday 10 December 2013 09:43 EST
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Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney pictured during the 5-0 victory over Bayern Leverkusen
Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney pictured during the 5-0 victory over Bayern Leverkusen (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United will be looking to secure first place in their Champions League group when they take on Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford tonight.

The Red Devils have already qualified for the last 16, but their opponents have much to play for. Currently in second place behind United, a victory for Shakhtar will guarantee them a place in the knock out stages.

David Moyes' side are unbeaten in the Champions League this season, having recorded three wins and two draws in Europe; however their domestic form has been shaky so far this month. Having drawn to Tottenham and lost to both Everton and Newcastle in back to back games at home, United will no doubt be driven to secure their first win in December and progress comfortably into the next stages of the Uefa competition.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETING...

Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (Taison) Manchester United 1 (Welbeck), Champions League, Group Stage, October 2013

STATS...

Manchester Utd are unbeaten against Ukrainian clubs in the Champions League (W3 D2).

Shakhtar Donetsk are winless in their five European games in England (D1 L4).

Wayne Rooney is the top scoring English player in Champions League history with 29 goals.

Shakhtar have always scored against English opposition in the Champions League (seven games).

ODDS...

Man Utdto win: 2.1

Shakhtar to win: 3.5

Draw: 3.4

TV: Live on ITV 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on Sky Sports 2 at 10.00pm and ITV 1 at 10:35pm

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