PREVIEW MANCHESTER UNITED VERSUS OTELUL GALATI

Sir Alex Ferguson will be without Darron Gibson (ankle), Chris Smalling and Ashley Young (both toe injuries). Rafael has returned to full training after making a recovery from a shoulder injury but he is unlikely to play a part in the game against Otelul Galati, as it was recently revealed that he is still building up his fitness. Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Tom Cleverley (ankle) also remain doubts for the fixture.

Nemanja Vidic is suspended for this game, after seeing red in the previous fixture against Dorinel Munteanu's men. For the opposition, Milan Perendija is banned from participation in this clash, as he was also sent off in the game against the Red Devils in Romania.

The visitors not have as many injury-related worries as the home side, but are likely to be without Ioan Filip (leg), Adrian Salageanu (knee) and Bus (ankle).

The Red Devils are likely to come out in full force in their first game at home following the 6-1 hammering against Manchester City, and will likely want to make an example out of the Romanian outfit.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Since their meeting with Galati, United suffered a devastating 1-6 defeat in the Manchester derby. A 3-0 away victory over Aldershot Town in the Carling Cup and a 1-0 away victory over Everton FC in league have helped United begin their recovery process. The Reds have recently struggled to find the dominance of their early season form but they have done well to grind out results in the mean time. They currently sit 2nd in the English Premier League table behind Manchester City.

Injuries have been a nuisance for United during the first few months of this season -- particularly in defense. This past week saw the club receive notice that defender Chris Smalling will be out one month with a slight foot fracture. However, Rafael has returned to training and Fergie indicated that he is seeking Reserves match action for the Brazilian right-back. Winger Ashley Young is expected to miss a few weeks with a lingering toe injury. In addition, midfielder Ryan Giggs is unavailable as well due to a hamstring injury. It is suspected that Federico Macheda is out with an arm or elbow injury. For this match, United will also be without captain Nemanja Vidicafter he was sent-off in Bucharest for a rash challenge.

OTELUL GALATI

The Otelarii have yet to earn a single point in Group C through three matches despite being competitive in each one. Domestically, their form has dropped from their title-run of last season as they currently sit 8th in the table in Romania. Since their clash with United in Bucharest, Galati have shown hints at improved form with two consecutive league victories. They do appear to have a relative clean bill of health. However, the Romanian side will be without defender Milan Perendija after he was sent off in the previous encounter versus United.

PROJECTING LINEUPS

Fergie hinted on Monday that he would use a similar lineup to the one used at Bucharest. That could mean No 1David De Gea being rested again and an opportunity for backup Anders Lindegaard to get a start. Patrice Evrais likely at left-back but Fabio is possible if the former is rested. The latter is also a candidate to start at right-back, as is Phil Jones. In central defense, Rio Ferdinand is probable and he will be partnered by either Jones or Jonny Evans. In central midfield. Anderson and Michael Carrick may rotate in after Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley started over the past weekend at Goodison Park. Out wide, Nani and Antonio Valencia are strong candidates to start as is Ji-Sung Park. Up front, Rooney is likely to start and rest is probably not an issue to be considered for him with the upcoming international break. Wazza is not expected to be selected for England's upcoming friendlies after being shown straight red in their recent Euro 2012 qualifier versus Montenegro. The other selection choice likely comes down to either Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) or Dimitar Berbatov.

Galati manager Dorinel Munteanu is expected to also select a similar side to the one in Bucharest. Goalkeeper Branko Grahovac is the No 1 and captain Sergiu Costin likely starts at center-back. With Perendija suspended, either Zoran Ljubinkovic or Cristian Sarghi are expected to deputise alongside Costin. Cornel Rapa is expected at right-back while Adrian Salageanu is anticipated at left-back. In Galati's 4-2-3-1, Ioan Filip and Gabriel Giurgui typically operate as the 'double pivots.' John Ibeh and Ionut Neagu are candidates to start in a more advanced central role. Out wide in attack, Liviu Antal is expected on the left while Sorin Frunza will likely be on the right. Bratislav Punosevac and Marius Pena are the candidates for the lone striker role.

( Source : www.thebusbybabe.com/2011/11/1/2528892/match-preview-manchester-united-vs-otelul-galati-uefa-champions  AND www.goal.com/en/match/65936/man-utd-vs-otelul-galati/preview )