Bursaspor vs Manchester United - Pre Match Preview

Match day 4 of the UEFA Champions League is upon us tonight, and while most neutrals will have their eyes on White Hart Lane, they may be missing out on a tactical masterclass from God himself, Sir Alex Ferguson, as Manchester United take on Bursaspor in Turkey.

With the inevitable hostile environment awaiting them inside the Ataturk Stadium, Ferguson will no doubt want to see his side get an early goal to quieten down the Turkish fans, but that will prove to be much easier said than done. Last season they won the Turkish Championship by accumulating 75 points over 34 games, winning 23 of them and losing just 5. They managed to score 65 goals in those 34 games (1.9 goals p/g) and conceded just 26 goals (0.7 goals p/g).

Formations

Bursaspor

Bursaspor's regular formation is a 4-2-3-1 which transforms into a 4-5-1 when defending. Sercan Yildirim is their danger man, and usually plays as the lone striker and is supported by playmaker Federico Insua (otherwise known as Pocho). This combination has worked fairly well this season, as despite Insua having no goals, he has 3 assists - all to Yildirim who has scored 7 goals this season. The defence isn't the strongest, but it gets the job done and along with the two holding midfielders, they become a very tough side to break down.

Manchester United

Manchester United are known to use the classic 4-4-2 formation, although in recent times they have begun to use the 4-3-3 which transforms into a 4-5-1. Of course, with no Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs or Antonio Valencia this evening, it's unlikely that we'll see a 4-4-2 formation. I can see Ferguson starting with young Mexican starlet Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez starting up front alone, with the in-form Nani and either Park Ji-Sung or Gabriel Obertan on either wing to support him. Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes are expected to start in the center of midfield. No Rio Ferdinand tonight also means that Chris Smalling will get another chance to show his potential in Europe's greatest competition.

DMF's Prediction

I think that Manchester United should come away comfortable winners in this game, considering the quality of our squad compared to the Turkish side. However, I wouldn't expect a romp. They are a well drilled side and will be very tough to break down. In conclusion, I predict;

Bursaspor 0-3 Manchester United

(Hernandez, Nani, Berbatov)

Hernandez's pace could prove vital tonight