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Old Trafford braces for its most challenging Champions League night in a while as Manchester United host high-flying Juventus, that's riding on the Cristiano Ronaldo wave.
The Portuguese ace would be returning to his old stomping ground and hoping to play his first full European game for the Bianconeris, after being sent off just 30 minutes into his debut against Valencia in the opener.
The Red Devils also have a lot of ground to cover after a goalless stalemate to Valencia in the previous game, while the last minute draw to arch-rivals Chelsea on Saturday served to dampen the spirits in the camp. But that was a markedly improved show from United, though the Old Lady is a different kettle of fish altogether and would have to do much better to eke out points from this game.
Ahead of Juventus and Manchester United's first clash since 2003, let's look at the best-combined XI of these teams:
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
Both Szczesny and De Gea have maintained a clean sheet in both the Champions League games so far. However, the Juventus shot-stopper outnumbers his United counterpart in terms of the number of saves drawn so far - seven against five - and also having been the busier of the two, thereby walking into this list.
The Czech Republic star of course has a better defense in front of him than De Gea, but that shouldn't undermine the starring role Szczesny has played in Juve's near-perfect start to the campaign. He's come a blinder on numerous occasions when called into action - he saved Parejo's penalty on matchday one - and has been proving his mettle as an able successor to Buffon's throne.
Another clean sheet, this time at Old Trafford, would be a huge statement from Szczesny.
Right-back: Joao Cancelo
Allegri went with a 3-man backline last time, but in a tough fixture like this one, he might incorporate a few changes, such as switching to back four again. And if that happens, Cancelo will be the man marshalling the right wingback position.
He was superb against Valencia in the opening game, making 3 tackles and 2 interceptions and clearances each. He also drove forward to help out in the attack and completed three dribbles too.
Centre-back: Leonardo Bonucci
Having returned from a year-long sojourn at Milan, Bonucci has slotted back into the team like he never left. The Italy international is enjoying his second winds at Juventus and gave a good account of himself in both the Champions League games so far.
He averages 2.5 clearances and his towering stature has helped him make just as many blocks too. Bonucci has had no problems communicating with his pal Chiellini too, as the defensive duo have restruck the solid pairing of old.
Centre-back: Giorgio Chiellini
Another Juve veteran, Chiellini will most likely be back in the mix for this game after being rested in the 3-0 laugher against Young Boys. He remains an indispensable figure in the Bianconeri backline even at 34 and in the game against Los Leones, he demonstrated why: 9 clearances, 4 blocks and 3 tackles to keep the hosts at bay. The Juventus old guard will be a tough nut for United to crack.
Left back: Luke Shaw
Let me get this straight first: Alex Sandro is a world-class fullback and has been a mainstay in this Juventus side for quite some time now. Shaw isn't any better than him, but the 23-year old has been stellar in Europe so far.
He trumps the Brazilian's average of a tackle a game with 2.5 of his own, while he also boasts twice as many clearances as him. Heck, Shaw has registered better figures than him even on the offensive front, laying almost 3 key passes per game to Sandra's one. He has become one of the first names on Mou's teamsheet after a prolific start to the campaign and would be crucial in stopping Juve's high-profile attacking unit.
Defensive midfielder: Paul Pogba
Pogba may start at the base of the midfield, but he's been given the license to move further forward that has liberated him at Manchester United this season. Buoyed by a stellar World Cup campaign with France, the former Juventus midfielder seems to have left his struggles of last season behind him and is getting more and more involved in the proceedings.
He's also tasked with the penalty duties which he's been clinical with, dispatching all three of them. Pogba also scored a brace in the 3-0 drubbing of Young Boys. Another one here against his former side would be really special for him.
Attacking midfielder: Anthony Martial
He wasn't a part of the World Cup celebrations in Russia earlier this year, but Martial has looked like a man hell-bent on redeeming himself. The French international is giving Alexis Sanchez a serious run for his money with a rich vein of form and scored an amazing brace against Chelsea at the weekend.
Martial's confidence is visible from his fine first-touches as well as brilliant executions, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him start this game ahead of the Chilean.
Attacking midfielder: Paulo Dybala
The Argentine may be struggling to assert himself, netting only once in the league, but he plugged his beast mode on in the last Champions League game when he scored a hattrick. Dybala is more than just goals though, picking out spaces in the opposition defense and orchestrating the play in the final third.
Goals or no goals, he would be important in unlocking a similarly obdurate United backline here.
Left winger: Cristiano Ronaldo
This is going to be his second trip to the Old Trafford as a visiting player since leaving Manchester United in 2009, and would fancy his chances against his former side. He was, after all, on target for Real Madrid in 2013 in a 2-1 win.
Ronaldo has shrugged off the early season wobbles to come to life at Juventus, as he's now scored 5 and assisted 4 for his new team. However, he'd be raring to open his account in Europe and what better opportunity to do it than against his beloved former employers?
Right winger: Federico Bernardeschi
Bernardeschi hasn't nailed down a spot in the starting XI yet, but whenever he started, has been unquestionably good. The Italian has been played across several positions by Allegri, but that hasn't affected his output and instead, stands with two goals and an assist despite starting only twice in the league.
But when it comes to European games, he started against both Young Boys and Valencia, impressing on both occasions. His eye for the pass and ability to pick out with pinpoint crosses have caught attention and may start again on Tuesday.
Striker: Mario Mandzukic
The Croat has got off to the new season in the same fashion that he ended the last - with a glut of goals, though he hasn't fired in the Champions League this season despite starting both of Juve's games. But you can bet against his scoring chances here at your own peril.
Mandzukic has established himself as a big game player and came up with the goods in games like this. And now with Higuain gone and Ronaldo helping more creatively, his output is only set to amplify by a notch or two. The hosts are going to have a tough time containing him.
