Manchester United; The German test
Every game in the Champions League is tough but even tougher when it's away from home. David Moyes knows his side are in for a battle as the former Everton boss goes up against a former Liverpool player, Sami Hyypia.
Bayer Leverkusen currently sit second in the Bundesliga and are playing some great football; they've scored twenty eight goals in thirteen games so they will test the United defence.
What is more impressive is they haven't lost at home this season or even drawn a game so anything United can get from the game will be a bonus in itself.
'A power at home again'
The fact that the crucial encounter takes place at the BayArena can only benefit die Werkself, who are unbeaten on home turf in the current campaign. “We’ve been playing really well at home this season,” said Hyypiä, who won the tournament with United’s domestic rivals Liverpool FC in 2005. Leverkusen have drawn once in the Bundesliga at home with European Champions FC Bayern München, the only stain on an otherwise perfect BayArena record both domestically and in Europe.
“We’re a power again at home,” highlighted Stefan Kießling, who scored a brace in their last continental fixture in front of their own fans, a 4-0 win against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. He was less present in Leverkusen’s last European tie, a 0-0 draw in Donetsk, but the performance showed a more battling side to Hyypiä’s troops - and kept their destiny in their own hands.' https://www.bundesliga.com/en/cl/news/2013/0000279838.php
"They're a really good side, doing very well in a really good league.
"In your first job it's never easy in your first job the key is always to win enough games to make sure you stay in the job and continue to improve. I've got to say Sami's showing that at this moment in time.
"It's a European tie away from home. We've had a good result at home against Leverkusen and we now need to show that away from home.
"But it's a much more different situation here now. We're more mindful of how we get the result here, it's important we get a result of sorts to keep ourselves in a strong position in the group."
It will be interesting to see what formation the United boss puts out tonight; it will show his intent.
One thing is for sure and that is Wayne Rooney will have to keep his temper completely in check; European Referees won't think twice about sending a player off that lashes out.
Robin Van Persie didn't travel so it may be down to a player that has spent over half his life in a Red Devils top and will also turn forty on Friday, the forever young Ryan Giggs.
A point away can be seen as a very good result, a win would be amazing!
Written by Paul Moore, a football fan.