Manchester United-Celtic: Champions League Preview

Manchester United face Celtic in a Champions League encounter on Wednesday evening.

The reigning champions suffered several blows when three of their defensive players were not included in the squad.

Edwin Van der Sar, Wes Brown, and Gary Neville are ruled out due to injuries. United also don't have the services of Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves, both long-term injury absentees.

Sir Alex Ferguson has included a number of young guns to make the trip to Scotland on Tuesday afternoon. It seems Ben Foster will make his Champions League debut in a match that, if won, will see United progress to the next stage.

United's squad v Celtic: Kuszczak, Foster; Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Rafael, Evans; Possebon, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Ronaldo, Gibson, Giggs, Carrick, Park; Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney.

United will want to make sure they defend well against a Celtic team that is very difficult to beat at home. Also, after the weekend's game where United made a number of defensive errors, uncharacteristically allowing three goals at home, the United back line will want to reassure Sir Alex they are capable of guarding the goal.

With so many talented midfielders, the men in the centre will play their hearts out in an attempt to impress their manager. Berbatov will want to continue his fine scoring form in the Champions League—the Bulgarian has four goals already this season.

Wayne Rooney will want to regain lost momentum and get a goal or two for his club, with Tevez hoping to build momentum where he has yet to have any this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be a player to watch, after scoring a glut of goals in the English Premier League he will want to put in another brilliant performance on the European stage.

All in all, although there are few regulars missing from the squad, United still seem strong and let's hope we get treated to an excellent European game.