Manchester United vs Villarreal CL 08-09: Preview and Live Score

Manchester United will kick off their title defense campaign in Champions League on Wednesday when they host Spanish club Villarreal at Old Trafford. Starting as defending champion, Manchester United is looking to start off the campaign well. Villarreal made a direct entry to the group stage of Champions League 2008-2009 competition thanks to finishing second in Spanish La Liga last season. So, Villarreal must be gearing up to replicate their last season’s excellent form in this season in order to secure an entrance to the round of 16 from Group E.

Match: Manchester United vs Villarreal, Group E, Champions League 2008-2009

Date: 17 September 2008, Wednesday

Venue: Old Trafford

Kick off: 19:45 BST (British Standard Time)

With Manchester United becoming most favorite in Group E, Villarreal is expected to be pitted against Scottish club Celtic for the second spot in the group. The Spanish club finished second in La Liga last season with 8 points deficit from Champion Real Madrid. Villarreal’s recent form is also satisfactory. They defeated Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 on Sunday in La Liga and seem to be confident enough ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

Defending Champion Manchester United is currently in search of their prime form of last season, in which the Red Devils secured an invaluable doubles including Premier League and Champions League titles. Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend. This is their first defeat to Liverpool in seven years. With this defeat, Manchester United is left in the middle of the table with 4 points from 3 matches. So, it is not the kind of performance that could be said to be good for a team who dominated all through the last season both in premier league as well as in Europe.

Manchester United will definitely look to pick up three points from the match, considering the fact that next time they have to face Villarreal in Spain. On the other hand, even a draw would be a satisfactory result for Villarreal because a point from the away match against Manchester United will boost up their confidence level.

There are many who consider the current injury spell of United’s Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been affecting the performance of the club. Ronaldo has not made his appearance for Manchester United so far this season. With 42 goals, Ronaldo was United’s highest goal scorer in the previous season. The player underwent an ankle surgery following his international duty with Portugal in Euro 2008 tournament. However, Ronaldo is reported ready to come back in action against Villarreal. Reports have it that Cristiano Ronaldo might make a came back on Wednesday, but still, he would not make it to the starting line up; rather he will be in the substitute list initially.

Manchester United Facing a Number of Injury Woes

Ahead of the home fixture for Villarreal, Manchester United now has a number of injury problems to contend with. Though Ronaldo is likely to make a come back in the match, Manchester United will not get the service of English midfielder Michael Carrick who picked up with broken bones in his foot in their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend. Carrick will be out for at least a month. In his absence, Owen Hargreaves might be rushed back Paul Scholes will also miss the home fixture due to suspension as he was sent off during their loss to Zenit St Petersburg in the European Super Cup Final earlier this season. United will also be without defender Patrice Evra, as the player suffered an injury following the 2-1 loss at Anfield.

Telegraph reported:

Carrick missed this morning's training session for the start of United's Champions League defence against Villarreal tomorrow night but now looks set to also miss the game against Aalborg and is doubtful for the visit of Celtic on Oct 21.

Earlier today it was revealed that Patrice Evra is also likely to miss the Villarreal game. The 26-year-old left-back was taken to hospital following the defeat at Liverpool.

Ireland's John O’Shea is waiting to step in against Villarreal if Evra is ruled out, but Manchester United's likely starting XI looks thin on ground with Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo both missing as they start the defence of their European crown.

Strikers Rossi and Kahveci will miss tomorrow’s match due to injury. Rossi has not recovered well from thigh injury, while Kahveci is in his way to come back in action after his surgery.

Online Live Score and Updates

Here, I am giving some names of the online live score websites from where you can get to know about the latest of the match:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

On pen and paper, Manchester United is favorite against Villarreal, but considering the recent form of the two clubs, I think, it is going to be too close an affair to call. No doubt, United has one of the strongest as well as biggest squads in the Europe, but the cause of concern is that they are yet to be back with their excellent form this season. However, Manchester United will enjoy the home advantage in the match. Overall, Manchester United seems to have a slight edge in the opening encounter of the two clubs in Champions League. Now, let us see if Manchester United gets their form back or Villarreal continue their last season’s excellent form.