Manchester United had a stellar start to their Premier League campaign and have been on the top of their game, beating their opponents prolifically so far. They have won three of their first four games in the competition, their only draw coming against a resilient Stoke City side, as the Red Devils were compelled to leave the Bet365 Stadium with only a single point in their bag.
However, the man in charge at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho, has now turned his attention towards the upcoming Champions League campaign, where his side will be taking on FC Basel in their first match of the competition. Manchester United will be cautious against their Swiss opponents, who were the ones to knock them out of the competition in the 2011/12 season.
While Manchester United are expected to carry their gallant home form into the match, their opponents, FC Basel, the reigning champions of their domestic league, will be looking to shrug off their poor home form that they have displayed so far this term and will look forward to starting their European campaign on a winning note.
The present holders of the Swiss Super League trophy are very much capable of doing that and the Red Devils will have to play their best possible game to beat them in their own backyard.
Team News-
Manchester United-
The Red Devils will be starting with Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof at the heart of their defence, as they will be without the services of Phil Jones and Eric Bailly for their upcoming encounter at Old Trafford.
There will also be no Marcus Rashford or Jesse Lingard featuring for Manchester United as the duo have been kept out of the squad for the Champions League.
FC Basel-
FC Basel have a very strong squad at their disposal and will be coming out all guns blazing at Old Trafford. The 20 times Swiss Super League winners will look to dominate the proceedings from the word go against the Red Devils.
Key Players-
Manchester United-
Romelu Lukaku has been in good form of late for his new club since his arrival this summer and has already scored four goals to top the charts in the Premier League. He will be expected to carry his domestic form into the game against their Swiss opponents and score against them to keep his team in advantage.
FC Basel-
The Swiss champions will be depending on their Dutch ace Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, who came into the side this summer. The 28-year-old has been at the top of his game and will be expected to demonstrate the same domestic form, which has led him to score seven goals in seven matches so far, in the European campaign as well.
Predicted Lineups-
Manchester United-
De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Blind, Herrera, Matic, Pogba, Martial, Mkhitaryan, Lukaku.
FC Basel-
Vaclik, Balanta, Lang, Suchy, Riveros, Steffen, Bua, Zuffi, Xhaka, Wolfswinkel, Elyounoussi.
Odds-
Manchester United Win- 2/11
Draw- 7/1
FC Basel win- 18/1
