Cesc Fàbregas’ Serie A side host Manchester United on the banks of Lake Como as Michael Carrick’s team tries to stay afloat.
No ordinary minnows
Como’s rise to the top level of European football has been remarkable and their recent showings prove Cesc Fàbregas’ side have the potential to make an even bigger impact on the Champions League this season.
The 4-1 thumping of RB Leipzig in Como’s first-ever Champions League fixture made a big statement even if they came back to earth with a loss to Feyenoord last time out. Manchester United have been warned.
Times have been tough for Michael Carrick and his players of late. United are winless in their last six games in all competitions with tension within the dressing room exposed by Lisandro Martínez’s explosive comments.
The 1-1 draw away to Leeds United on Sunday hinted at Carrick adopting a more pragmatic approach to turn around his team’s poor form, but victories are needed to truly prove Manchester United’s slide has been halted.
While this has the appearance of a David versus Goliath clash in terms of the stature and history of the two teams, Como have the quality to pile more misery on United.
Key players
Martin Baturina and Nico Paz are two of the best young attacking midfielders in the game with the pair both expected to start as potential difference makers for Como in the attacking third.
Barutina and Paz will likely play off Anastasios Douvikas as Como’s attacking focal point. The Greek striker will be a handful for the United defence such is his skill at holding up the ball.
Promising young defender Jacobo Ramón is expected to start at the heart of Como’s back three while Lucas Da Cunha and Luis Milla will be charged with controlling things in the centre of midfield.
Carrick could stick with the midfield set-up that showed encouraging signs against Leeds, meaning Bruno Fernandes might be in line to start on the left side again.
Bryan Mbeumo has scored two goals in his last three outings and so Carrick might not want to move the Cameroonian from the centre forward spot, especially given the lack of other options in that area.
Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans have shown signs of a partnership in central midfield while Martínez could start again in the backline despite his remarks about the club’s front office.
Team news
Trevoh Chalobah and Moise Kean are both injury concerns for the Serie A outfit while Assane Diao will be sidelined for the visit of Manchester United on Wednesday.
Benjamin Šeško, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are currently missing for the Old Trafford outfit through injury with Leny Yoro set to miss the match following his red card against Atlético Madrid.
Ayden Heaven is struggling with illness while Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Martínez are also carrying knocks that could limit their involvement. Martínez came off before the end at Elland Road on Sunday.
Prediction
We could easily see United’s miserable start to the season continue in Italy: Como 2-1 Manchester United.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.