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Manchester United started the 2017/18 season with a flying start. After their loss to Real Madrid in their Super Cup tie, United have won 6 games and drawn just one. However, their UEFA Champions League fixture tonight isn’t going to be an easy outing at the Russian capital against CSKA Moscow.
CSKA Moscow won a morale-boosting away tie against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League in the last group-stage fixture. Also, they are sitting at 4th place in the Russian Premier League.
Manchester United always had their difficulties in their away games at Russia.
Let’s see the 5 things which will worry Manchester United the most ahead of their Champions League tie later tonight.
#5 A long journey to Moscow is too taxing for United players
Manchester United travelled 1600 miles, for over 6 hours, to reach Moscow. This long a travel, sandwiched by two Premier League games, is invariably going to have a taxing impact on the players.
The fatigue is creeping onto the United camp, with a few key players like Paul Pogba missing the flight to Moscow owing to injury. Jose Mourinho will have to choose the playing 11 carefully, considering the fact that they have a Premier League game within just 3 days after the Champions League tie.
#4 Not so welcoming Russian Weather
Playing in severely cold conditions generally affects a player’s respiration and blood flow hampering the ability to breathe and feel. Russia is always a challenging destination considering their inclement weather.
Though the weather is not alarming at this point of the year, Manchester United players have to acclimatize to a 10-degree dip after a hot Southampton Premier League fixture. On top of the adverse temperature dip, they also have to adjust to a hard Russian pitch on a cold windy night.
Predicted weather in Moscow during match time: 7 degrees Celsius
#3 United's past records in Russia is not so encouraging
Manchester United could manage just one win in their last 5 trips to Russia. They lost a game on penalties and drew 3 other games. Even last season, under Jose Mourinho, United couldn’t come out with 3 points against Russian opponents Rostov during their first leg 'Round of 16' fixture in the UEFA Europa League.
In their away trips to Russia, United haven't scored more than one goal in any of the 5 games. Will the new-found goal-scoring prowess of United break this infamous record?
#2 No Pogba; No Fellaini; No Carrick
There can be a multi-layered argument on Pogba’s price tag and whether he is worth it or not. But, there is no denying the fact that Manchester United will miss Pogba dearly for the Wednesday night fixture.
The fluidity of United’s midfield was completely hampered by Pogba's absence and it was evident against Southampton. Even Matic had his first subdued game in a red jersey against the Saints and it may not be a coincidence altogether.
To make things worse, Fellaini and Carrick have also been ruled out of this Champions League fixture. United's midfield looks worryingly depleted for this crucial tie.
#1 United should be wary of CSKA's mid-field duo Vitinho and Golovin
CSKA Moscow has been on a decent run in the Russian Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Their away win over Benfica will be considered as the snatch of round one.
Vitinho, the Brazilian playmaker, is in good form. He has 3 goals and 3 assists against his name from his eight starting-eleven appearances. Alexsandr Golovin is their rising superstar. At the age of 21, he has been the linchpin of CSKA's attack.
He is a Russian International player and represented the national team 15 times, scoring 2 goals. Machester United should watch out for this dynamic midfield duo tonight.
