UCL: Manchester United vs Real Madrid Predictions

Manchester, Mar 3: Jose Mourinho rested some of his regular starters in the 2-1 win over rivals Barcelona on Saturday while Sir Alex Ferguson played a stronger side against Norwich City at Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs Real Madrid Preview

Despite Real's win over Barcelona, their second win in five days, the Catalans are 13 points clear at the top of the table. Though they are in the less-fancied Copa Del Rey final their only chance of overpowering Barca's league success is by winning the Champions League.

Real have been improving at the right time of the season and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who returns to Old Trafford for the first time since his record-breaking transfer in 2009, has been in incredible form lately.

United secured a crucial away goal in the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu and Ronaldo came to the rescue for Real with a brilliant header to level the game.

The Portuguese star was benched in the win over Barcelona on Saturday but made a cameo apearance in the second half and immediately made a huge impact for his side. Ronaldo hit the side netting, forced a save from Victor Valdes and hit the cross bar.

Real will recall their attacking trio of Mesut Ozil, Angel Di Maria and Ronaldo while Xabi Alonso returns to middle for the trip to Old Trafford on Tuesday. Defender Pepe played the entire game against Barcelona which proves his fitness but the Portugal international played in the defensive midfield position.

United are sweating on the fitness of Phil Jones, who restricted Ronaldo in the first leg. Ryan Giggs is likely to earn his 1000th appearance in senior football after being rested for the Norwich game.

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie will be United's attacking pair upfront while Giggs and Michael Carrick are expected to start in the midfield supported by Nani and Antonio Valencia on the flanks.

United have a incredible record at home going unbeaten in 18 league games but they previosly lost to CFR Cluj in their final group game in the Champions League.

With both teams in fantastic league form it is difficult to pick out a favourite but United have home comforts while Ronaldo returns to his former club for an emotional encounter. However, the Portuguese is favourite to score but in case United manage to strike then Real will find it hard to comeback.

Probable Lineups:

Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea-Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra-Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Young-Rooney, Van Persie

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lopez-Ramos, Pepe, Arbeloa, Coentrao-Alonso, Khedira, Ozil, Ronaldo, Di Maria-Higuan.

OneIndia News