Preview: Manchester United vs Benfica

Bola.net - Manchester United can confirm a place in the round "knock out" the Champions League with victory over Benfica on Matchday 5 Group C Wednesday (23/11).

Red Devils could join the round of 16 potential participants, such as Bayern Munich, which only requires a single point at home against Villarreal, Inter Milan, who only needs one point from Trabzonspor, and Ajax Amsterdam, if they can win over Lyon.

Although favored, United will face tough opponents to ensure their place. At the first meeting, Benfica is able to force a draw in their own home.

United warmed up before entertaining Benfica with a 1-0 victory over host, Swansea. This victory keeps them tight against City in the Premier League standings.

However, that makes the manager Alex Ferguson is happy to look back line, after the couple had had a bad week.

"Maintaining the goalkeeper did not concede, is an integral part of our success, and we were careless with our defense," said Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV.

"A few weeks ago, there was criticism of the defense and the odds are owned by the opponents," he said.

"It was a solid performance. When you win the match by a score of 1-0, it brings concentration back to a good level, which had deficiencies (concentrations)."

"The concentration that we showed a concentration of course is that we need back there in the team," he said.

"We've tightened a few things and there are some good performance by our defenders," he said. Ferguson was also pleased with because it has a large selection of players for the game Tuesday night in Portugal.

"The squad we have is strong enough, and I can make changes with confidence, and it's very important for this round," he added.

Benfica, who hold United's 1-1 draw in Lisbon will attempt to do something that has never done any other Portuguese clubs in Old Traforrd in ten Champions League matches before, namely to achieve victory.

Benfica also had a good record on the two parties away in the qualification round group A this season, and the Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo, is a player to watch United's stronghold.

Forecasts Second Team Formation:
Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea; Jones, Ferdinand, Smalling, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Young; Hernandez, Rooney.

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Artur; Maxi Pereira, Garay, Luisao, Emerson; Witsel, Garcia; Gaitan, Aimar, Cesar; Cardozo. (AFP / lex)

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