Manchester United leave the rest of Group B to battle
They may have been fortunate to get a point at home against CSKA Moscow but that was enough for United.
Alex Ferguson considers ten points to be the safety mark for last 16 qualification and so it has proved again with United unable to finish lower than second. Wolfsburg are only three points behind the Red Devils and could top the group but the head to head record ensures United will finish above the team from Moscow.
The real interest comes from who will finish alongside United in the top two and Match day 5 fixtures will go a long way to revealing who makes the last 16 of the CL:
CSKA Moscow v Wolfsburg
Manchester United v Besiktas
The first of these games, in the earlier kick off from Russia, could bring the qualification process down to the final game. CSKA Moscow need to win to give themself a good chance of making the last 16 and as the home team will start as favourites.
Wolfsburg proved they can go to Old Trafford and play good football so they will not be overawed by the occasion but whether they have the hunger to match CSKA remains an issue.
Russian football has suffered a blow recently with the nations failure to qualify for next summers World Cup but this is a great opportunity for CSKA to put a bit of pride back into proceedings.
A home win will put Wolfsburg and CSKA level on 7 points going into the final game and the head to head record would be decided on goal difference. This is because Wolfsburg won the previous game between these teams 3-1 with Grafite notching a hat-trick.
For once, the Manchester United match takes second billing and anything other than a routine United victory will be a surprise. Then again, by the time this match kicks off, United may have already secured top spot so whether the motivation for United’s players will be there remains to be seen.
Look beyond United and see the real action in Group B
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