Manchester United vs. Basel: Red Devils Can't Afford to Take FCB Lightly

Manchester United suffered its first draw of the Premier League season on Saturday against upstart side Stoke City. The Red Devils must get back on track against Basel in the second game of the Champions League group stage. They tied Benfica on the road in the opening fixture.

However, it won't be easy with as many as eight players missing the contest due to injuries. The most notable of which being Wayne Rooney, who will be on the shelf for a couple weeks due to a hamstring injury picked up in training.

Due to the lack of available players, there will be a new look to the United lineup against FCB. Here is Goal.com's guess at how the starting XI will look on Tuesday.

"

De Gea

Valencia, Jones, Evans, Evra

Nani, Giggs, Carrick, Park

Berbatov, Owen

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Michael Owen has had a resurgence in recent weeks after receiving virtually no playing time in the early going due to a wealth of strikers. The same can be said for Dimitar Berbatov, who is angling for one more big contract next summer.

While the Red Devils enter the game banged up, Basel will field its best lineup other than midfielder Benjamin Huggel. That's what makes the game dangerous for United even though they remain a heavy favorite, according to the oddsmakers.

FCB beat Otelul Galat 2-1 in its Champions League opener and are dreaming of a draw at Old Trafford. They are considered long shots to advance from the group, but earning even a single point against an injured plagued United squad will go a long way in defying the odds.

That said, the Red Devils remain favored for reason–they're more talented. Unless they suffer through some chemistry pains in the early going and Basel is able to score a quick goal, Manchester United should cruise to victory.

Look for Berbatov to find the score sheet for the first time this season while Nani will secure the victory with an early second half strike. It might not be pretty, but the Red Devils will get the job done.

Prediction: Manchester United 2, Basel 0