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The English champions booked their place in the last 16 when they fought back to draw 3-3 with CSKA Moskva last time out. Now, with a three-point lead over Wolfsburg, they can take another step towards top spot by beating Beşiktaş. The visi tors' UEFA Champions League hopes ended with their Matchday 4 home defeat by Wolfsburg but they could yet overturn the three-point deficit on third-placed CSKA and claim a UEFA Europa League berth. A scary fact at the back of the minds of the Beşiktaş faithful could be the memory of their last visit to England's north-west, when they suffered an ignominious 8-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool FC - their biggest European loss and a UEFA Champions League record. Hopefully they will be able to use as added motivation to put their best foot forward on English soil.

It would be unwise for anybody to leave Old Trafford early, given Manchester United's remarkable habit of scoring late in this season's competition. Five of United's 7 goals in the group stage so far have come in the final 13 minutes of the matches. With United having already secured qualification, it would also not be surprising to see Sir Alex try out some of his side's upcoming talent. The Da Silva brothers might get starts at the two full back positions. Edwin van der Sar might also be rested, which would mean another start for Ben Foster between the sticks. Gabriel Obertan might also get an opportunity on the left wing. Inspite of making several changes, Fergie would still want a victory to ensure that his side finish top of their group.

Six of United's 7 goals in the competition so far have come from midfielders, with Michael Owen scoring the other. The United management would be hoping that the likes of Wayne Rooney can open their account before the knock out rounds begin in February next year. Rooney will have fond memories of United's last visit from a Turkish club - he hit a debut hat-trick in a 6-2 victory against Fenerbahçe SK in a group-stage fixture in September 2004. Beşiktaş custodian Rüştü Reçber was in the Fenerbahçe goal that night. Paul Scholes scored the only goal 13 minutes from time when United and Besiktas met for the first time this season in Istanbul on 15th September on Matchday 1.

As far as Besiktas is concerned, they are having a Champions League campaign to forget. Mustafa Denizli's side have scored just once in their 4 group games so far. The Turkish side need a miracle to even finish 3rd and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Their situation is not helped by the hamstring injury to prolific striker Nihat Kahveci. The fact that despite both Besiktas and United being in the top 3 of their respective leagues, United have 9 more points than their Turkish opponents in the Champions League, shows the gulf in class between the top flight of both countries.

Besiktas do come into this game with some amazing form behind them. After winning just 1 of their first 6 games domestically at the start of this season, the Turkish giants are on a 7 match winning run including a 3-0 thumping of rivals Fenerbahce over the weekend. Expect some exciting football on Wednesday night with the Premier League champions looking to secure top spot in group B on one hand, and Besiktas hoping to keep their Europa League hopes alive on the other.

Likely Teams:

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Rafael, Brown, Vidić, Fabio, Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Obertan, Rooney, Owen.
Besiktas: Rüştü, Toraman, Ferrari, Sivok, Üzülmez, Ekrem, Fink, Ernst, Serdar, Yusuf, Bobô.

Form Guide: Manchester United (Last 5 games in all competitions: W - 3, D - 1, L - 1)

Manchester United 3-0 Everton
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow
Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
Barnsley 0-2 Manchester United

Form Guide: Besiktas (Last 5 games in all competitions: W - 4, D - 0, L - 1)

Besiktas 3-0 Fenerbahce
Trabzonspor 0-2 Besiktas
Besiktas 0-3 VfL Wolfsburg
Besiktas 1-0 Ankaragucu
Eskisehirspor K 0-1 Besiktas

File Photograph Copyright: James Rooney

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