Alan scored twice at Old Trafford and will be dangerous down the right
Michael Cox expects a more cagey battle than the 3-2 at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.
Braga v Manchester United, Wednesday 7:45, Sky Sports 4.
Match Odds: Braga 3.412/5, Manchester United 2.3811/8, The Draw 3.45n/a.
Having recorded a comfortable victory over Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United now must face a familiar challenge - a side nicknamed the Arsenalistas. Braga originally played in green and white stripes, but after former coach Jozef Szabo visited London and was inspired by the Gunners, Braga's home kit changed to red shirts and white shorts, and they inevitably acquired a new nickname.
As it happens, Braga will probably set up in a similar manner to Arsenal. Both generally favour a 4-2-3-1, but just as Arsene Wenger decided to move Santi Cazorla deeper to play alongside Jack Wilshere in midfield, Jose Peseiro adapted his shape at Old Trafford a fortnight ago. Ruben Micael helped out in midfield and allowed right-winger Alan to support Eder - Alan scored twice as Braga raced into a 2-0 lead, before eventually losing 3-2.
Although Braga are usually based around quick counter-attacking in Europe in recent years, their side has become more physical this season. The signing of hard-working, versatile Ruben Amorim from Benfica has meant Peseiro plays a more conservative shape in the Champions League - Amorim plays on the left side of midfield, whereas in the league it's usually Helder Barbosa, a more traditional winger.
Expect Amorim to begin this game - a surprise start for Barbosa would hint at Peseiro's attacking intentions - and it's likely that Alan, on the right, will be the main attacking outlet. If Ferguson uses young Dutch left-back Alexander Buttner at left-back, as he did in the previous meeting between the sides, I'll back Butter to be shown a card at 5.04/1 - Alan's a tricky player, and Buttner makes some rash tackles.
Overall, Braga's midfield is classically Portuguese, containing four Portuguese internationals. Amorim, Micael, Custodio and Hugo Viana are all broadly central midfielders, bringing sensible passing and combativity to the side. Custodio is the holder, Viana the reliable passer, Amorim tucks in on the flank, and Micael usually drives forward to support Eder upfront.
With Braga offering so many players in the centre, Sir Alex Ferguson might continue with the diamond formation he's used in his past two European games, away at Cluj and at home to Braga. Darren Fletcher has played at the base of the midfield, with Wayne Rooney at the top, plus Tom Cleverley and either Anderson or Shinji Kagawa as the shuttlers either side.
With Robin van Persie and in-form Javier Hernandez able to start together, it means Ferguson can give a start to a couple of players who deserve an opportunity - Anderson, in particular. None of United's wingers are in great form, and neither of Braga's full-backs are exciting enough on the ball to require significant defensive attention. That said, left-back Elderson Echiejile is poor in a positional sense, and attacking him might be wise, so the use of Antonio Valencia isn't out of the question.
If United are to field a diamond, this match might become something of a midfield scrap - and I'd expect fewer goals than in the meeting at Old Trafford. Under 2.5 goals is available at 2.1211/10 when it should be more like evens, in my view, and while that's a relatively minimal difference, it's worth going for the value.
I think United are a considerably stronger side than Braga, even with the Portuguese side at home in the unique surroundings of the two-sided Estadio Municipal de Braga. 2.47/5 for Manchester United to win looks a little overpriced considering the difference in quality, but I'm always reluctant to back a side to collect a win they don't really need - United are five points clear in Group H - so I'll stay away from the overall match odds.
Recommended bets:
If he starts, Buttner to be booked at 5.04/1
Under 2.5 goals at 2.1211/10
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