Manchester United head into tonight’s Champions League clash away to FC Basel at St.Jakob-Park needing only a point to secure their spot in the Champions League knockout stages (7.45pm, BT Sport).
Should United avoid defeat they will also progress to the last-16 as winners of Group A.
Jose Mourinho’s men have so far accumulated maximum points from their opening four games, courtesy of wins over CSKA Moscow, Benfica (twice), and tonight’s opponents Basel, with whom they beat 3-0 at Old Trafford back in September.
United and Basel have previously clashed five times in the competition, with the Red Devils bagging two wins to their opponents’ one, while the other two matches have ended in draws.
Basel currently have six points to their name, winning two and losing two of their four matches. Should Raphael Wicky’s men conjure up a surprise win tonight, the reigning Swiss champions will book their spot in the next round for the first time in three seasons - providing CSKA lose to Benfica.
Mourinho makes seven changes to the team that beat Newcastle, naming Paul Pogba, who scored and assisted on his return from injury against the Toon, as captain.
United have opted for Sergio Romero in goal, with Chris Smalling and Marco Rojo joined in defence by Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind. Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera are the preffered choices for the centre of the park, alongside Pogba.
In attack Jesse Lingard - making his 100th appearance - and Anthony Martial flank Romelu Lukaku, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who made his eagerly anticipated comeback over the weekend, is on the bench, as is Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Centre-back Phil Jones is once again sidelined with a thigh injury, while fellow defender Eric Bailly also misses out, as does Michael Carrick.
Basel are without suspended midfielder Taulant Xhaka - brother of Granit - with Serey Die and Luca Zuffi once again paired in midfield. Germano Vailati, Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Omar Gaber are also absent.
Man Utd head into the match as the 10/11 favourites for the win, with Basel priced at 7/2, whereas a draw can be found at 13/5 (odds courtesy of Bet365).
