Match Preview : Will United get past a stern Rangers defence?

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Manchester United travels to the Ibrox Stadium to face Rangers in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

In the corresponding fixture earlier this season, United risked fielding a weakened side at Old Trafford but managed to get away with a point after a 0-0 draw.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson seems to be pleased with that result as he has rested center-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand for Wednesday's tie at the Ibrox stadium.

So far in the tournament, Rangers have performed admirably, except for the 3-0 loss to Valencia earlier in the month, leaving them on third position in the group two points behind second placed Valencia and five behind United.

Rangers are expected to line-up in a 4-5-1 formation, with emphasis on defence. Manager Walter Smith has got the team playing with spirit and determination, which makes up for their lack in quality as compared to other expensively assembled sides.

However, Smith has admitted to considering making a change to the manner in which we play in after the injuries to defenders Madjiid Bougherra and Sasa Papac.

That, along with the fact that Rangers will need a win to keep alive their chances of progressing means an open game is on cards.

Smith, in his pre-match press conference, also revealed how his club should not be intimidated by the mighty Manchester United.

I don't think its fear factor. It's a challenge we have to face up to. There is no doubt that they are a terrific side and we know that. They have used somewhere in the region of 27 players in the Champions League so far so they have a huge squad of players to choose from.

It's not a fear aspect; it's a challenge for us. Any footballer, or any manager, would look forward to it. The players will look forward to the game, they look forward to all the Champions League games. There will be a full house and there is always a terrific atmosphere.

I think it would be strange if any footballer didn't relish the opportunity to play in that atmosphere against a good side.''

United have performed impeccably in the Group since their opening 0-0 draw against Rangers at Old Trafford. However, their league form has been sketchy. Though they have made up four points to tie with Chelsea at the top of the table, their performances have been unsatisfactory.

Sir Alex Ferguson, manger of Manchester United and a former player of Rangers, said it was about time United get back on their feet and attack from all fronts.

He said, It is time to waken up. The only thing I can say for certain is that the big teams will be fighting it out at the end of the season. There are a lot of ways of analyzing football. You can look at the dropped points against West Brom, Everton and Fulham.

With those points, we could have been six clear. But we scored in the last minute against Wolves and at Aston Villa we could have lost by six and somehow managed to get a point out of it. That tells you the character of the human beings I have got. They are people who are prepared to do something about the situation.''

Key for United is Wayne Rooney's return. The star striker was a controversial figure in United a few weeks back when he made a u-turn and signed a new contract with the club after initially stating his desire to leave. Ferguson said his return to fitness would spark the striker into form.

He said, Absolutely. There is no question about that. His fitness is good and maybe it will take two or three games but they will help to get him back as quick as we can. But this is a high profile match, on a terrific pitch, in a great stadium with a terrific atmosphere. All the signs are plus ones, particularly for a player of Wayne's ability.''

Team News -
Rangers left-back Sasa Papac is doubtful after a head injury while Madjid Bougherra (hamstring), Maurice Edu (knee), James Beattie (hip and thigh) and Andy Webster (groin) are all out injured.

United have opted to rest Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic while Giggs and Rooney are tipped to play a part in the match after coming back from respective injuries. Darron Gibson, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen and Darren Fletcher are all sidelined with injury.

Prediction -

Rangers will try and weather the tides in the initial stages when United attack in full flow. However, they will gradually move forward and try and score on the counter as they will be desperate for a win to keep their hopes alive. United though are a quality outfit and will prove a tough team to break. A 2-0 victory for the visitors looks likely.

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