Manchester United vs RB Leipzig Preview: Cavani to Upamecano, 5 players to look out for in clash of the titans
Come Wednesday, October 28, and the UEFA Champions League will witness the clash of the titans. Premier League giants, Manchester United take on a formidable RB Leipzig at Old Trafford in their second group game. Both sides haven't played each other and that makes this encounter even thrilling despite the fact that Leipzig comes into the game with a few injury concerns.
Leipzig could be without Nordi Mukiele due to a thigh injury while Konrad Laimer and Lukas Klostermann are still recovering from their own injuries. Amadou Haidara is currently in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19. Not that the Red Devils would take this lightly as their opposition ended up as semifinalists in the previous edition of the Champions League. With both sides comprising of quality players, here's a quick look at the five stars to watch out for:
Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)
The 33-year-old former PSG striker was roped in on the final day of the Transfer window. He sat out of the side's win against his old team but made an immediate impact as he almost scored against Chelsea last week. While the game might have ended in a stalemate, there was enough proof for Solskjaer to put him in the starting XI against Leipzig.
Eager to prove his mettle in his new jersey, Cavani's ability to pierce defenses and launch relentless strikes makes him a player to watch out for.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
After the red carding against Tottenham Hotspur saw him benched for three games, Martial is available for the fixture against Leipzig. He hasn't had quality game time and will miss the next game against Arsenal as well. To keep him fresh and game ready, Solskjaer might give him a run on Wednesday. He has been goalless in his last eight outings but sounded a warning that it was only a matter of time before he would be back.
"I still haven't scored yet this season. But I know that as and when I get off the mark with one, everything will be fine," he told United Review. "So, it's down to me to keep putting in a big effort in training and to then show everybody the real Anthony Martial."
Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)
Upamecano has been thoroughly impressive for the side. He was a dominant force in their quarterfinal win over Atletico Madrid in their last Champions League season in August. The 22-year-old has been key in their defense that has just allowed three goals in seven games so far this season. His goal against Hertha Berlin earlier was lauded by pundits as a clinical effort and things could heat up for United if he gets going.
Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig)
A box-to-box player who could take the game away on his day, Sabitzer may have sat out of the game against Istanbul Basaksehir, but he is likely to play at Old Trafford. The midfielder was instrumental in the team's win over the Spurs last season to seal a semis spot in the Champions League. The team skipper is an authoritative presence on the field and will be a major confidence booster to the visitors.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
That he was picked as the stand-in skipper for Harry Maguire ahead of United's clash against PSG shows the level of faith the management has in the 26-year-old midfielder. With four goals and three assists in the side's goals in all competitions, he will be one to keep an eye on.
Kick-off is slated for 4 pm ET on Wednesday, October 28. The match can be watched live on CBS All Access and Fubo TV.