UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 Preview, Group C: October 20, 2010

Manchester United vs. Bursaspor

Manchester United will be without Rooney and Owen, who are both injured. Rooney, who has been the centre of much media speculation recently, due to the rift between him and Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, has to suffer yet another stumble in his career this season. The striker has not been on form since returning from his last injury, and now, he has another one to recover from after he was stretched off from Tuesday’s training session. Still this is unlikely to worry United too much, seeing as they have been essentially operating without Rooney for weeks anyhow. This is the sort of match which they should be expected to win convincingly, at home to a side which isn’t of the same calibre, anything other than all three points would be a disappointment.

Bursaspor just don’t look like a side which is going to pose much of a threat to United. They don’t have the ability going forward to really threaten the back four. Odds are they will play for a draw, and if they can manage one, it would certainly be a reasonable result for the club, it won't be easy for them though and it will take a good performance from the team just to manage that.

Rangers vs. Valencia

Broadfoot is hoping to be fit enough to play, and Walter Smith will want to have every man at his disposal, considering this could be a lynchpin game when it comes to adding up the points. On the downside for Rangers, Lee McCulloch will not be fit to play, and although he is a good player, it shouldn’t be too detrimental to Rangers chances. Rangers have done well to get the results they have done so far. Whether or not they will be able to beat Valencia is another matter. A draw, on the other hand, is perfectly possible. Who knows, this could be Rangers year to prove that they belong in Europe and not bomb out like they have done recently.

Valencia were unfortunate to lose the lead against Barcelona, and since then, they haven’t looked like quite as much of a powerhouse as they did at the start of the season. Joaquin is suffering with an ankle injury that will keep the winger sidelined for their trip to Scotland. A win for Valencia would see them get right back on track in Europe and looking increasingly likely to avoid an upset with not progressing in to the knock out stages.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores and live sports