I guess the big question is - will ManU take this game lightly since they already qualified? Will they field several reserves like against Maccabi Haifa? Haifa beat them 3-0 in that game. I think Basel is a much better team than Haifa, so an upset seems quite possible despite the game being played in Old Trafford. It's too bad I won't be able to follow this game as I will be away next week due to Spring Break.
Besides that point, one must ask who will play for Man U? They have so many injuries right now. Keane and Veron are most likely out among others. Basel had the chance at home to beat a depleated Man U team, and except for a mental lapse of 5 minutes, they most likely would have (Stupid Ruudi van Nisilroy). I know I spelled his name wrong. Strange thought. Basel has done well on other Dutch strikers, see Maakay, mabye it will translate this week!
Here is the preview from Uefa.com. From Ferguson's comments, it looks like he wil rest some of the top players, while still playing others. Basel might have a chance. http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UCL/fixturesresults/round=1637/match=1038264/Report=PR.html
Here are the line up's: Basel: Zuberbühler 1 Zwyssig 5 Hakan Yakin 10 Barberis 12 Giménez 13 Murat Yakin 15 Cantaluppi 17 Haas 20 Atouba 24 Chipperfield 26 Rossi 33 Man U: 13 Carroll 2 Gary Neville 3 Philip Neville 5 Blanc 6 Ferdinand 8 Butt 20 Solskjær 21 Forlán 22 O'Shea 31 Fletcher 42 Richardson
Gross makes three changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Deportivo on Matchday 10, with the influential Julio Rossi and Murat Yakin returning as well as the midfield player Mario Cantaluppi. Rossi is expected to partner Christian Giménez up front as Basel look to take advantage of the relative inexperience of the United side. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rings the changes from the side that beat Juventus FC 3-0 in Turin last week. Roy Keane, Juan Sebastián Verón and Mickaël Silvestre are all injured while Roy Carroll, Laurent Blanc and youngsters Kieran Richardson and Darren Fletcher start. Midfield player Fletcher, 19, from Dalkeith near Edinburgh, makes his first senior appearance for United.
Although there are many absences for Man U, Basel will have to play well as there are many good players on the field. But this is a great oppourtunity for Basel.
The announcers are talking about all the ways that Man U get money from their fans. It is done in almost a wishful way. They do have lots of money.
Throw-in for Haas, for H. Yakin. Give away by the Fc Basel. Olg on a 2v3, holds up and Basel regains possetion.
This was the first real build-up and attack. What a great way to go. Lets hope that it stays this way!
From Uefa.com Excellent build up play from Julio Hernán Rossi led to the Argentine striker cutting the ball in from the right. Rio Ferdinand failed to cut out the cross allowing Giménez to take it on the chest before firing past Carroll who really had no chance.
17' The match had got off to a subdued start, but the visiting side are deserving of their early lead. 18' Murat Yakin beats Ferdinand and wins his side a corner, which United eventually clear. The Old Trafford faithful are growing restless.
18' Again United are forced back deep into their own half. Atouba crosses low from the left only just out of the reach of the advancing Giménez. Another near miss by Basel!