Manchester United will kickoff their 2009/10 UEFA Champions League campaign away from home against Besiktas as they look to make it to their third successive final.
Sir Alex Ferguson has never hid his ambition to conquer Europe, and with him reaching the twilight of his managerial career, it will be even more crucial to lead United to success - especially after last year's disappointing final.
United come into the match full of confidence having won their last three English Premier League matches. Their last match was a vintage display 3-1 win against Tottenham. The match saw United at their glittering best with fluent passing, movement and great attacking play.
United could have easily buckled against Spurs as they not only conceded an early goal, but they had to play the last 30+ minutes down a man.
Mustafa Denizli's side come into the match following a 3-0 defeat to Turkish giant Galatasaray over the weekend, but Sir Alex was impressed with their style of play.
According to the Scot, they have slick, short passing and play the game with intent.
No Delight
While this will be the first time that United have matched up with Besiktas, they are familiar with playing and Turkey, but with limited success.
The famous images of the signs "Welcome to Hell" will always be etched in United supporters' brains, and they should expect a similar atmosphere this time around as well.
Starting away from home in the Champions League against an unfamiliar opponent is always a tricky tie, but United have a great combination of youth and experience to cope.
More
While Manchester United have enjoyed recent success in the Champions League campaigns - making it to the finals in the last two seasons.
United won their third European title in 2008 by defeating Chelsea in an epic final, but this past season they did not show as well losing to Barcelona 2-0.
To not start this year's term with a victory against Besiktas, would be an obvious setback to the great start that United have already had.
It is also imperative for English teams to qualify for the knockout stage as quickly as possible, because they do not want to need a result during December as matches come thick and fast.
Treatment
Out: E. van der Sar, Rafael, G. Obertan, O. Hargreaves; Probable: G. Neville, W. Brown, J. Evans
Projected
B. Foster; J. O'Shea, R. Ferdinand, N. Vidic, P. Evra; J.S. Park, P. Scholes, M. Carrick, Nani; D. Berbatov, W. Rooney
Prediction
Manchester United 3, Besiktas 0
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