90 miuntes to save Europe: Basel v United

What do they need to do?

United only need to avoid defeat in Basel to secure qualification to the knockout stages and, if theyve proven anything in the Champions League this season, its that they are certainly good for a draw.

Their only wins in Group C have come against Romanian minnows Otelul Galati.

It took a last-gasp equaliser from Ashley Young at Old Trafford to secure a point against Basel in the first match after the Swiss side came within a whisker of a shock result.

That should serve as ample warning for Sir Alex Fergusons side, with Basel knowing only a win will be good enough for them to reach the last 16. But it seems certain United will have to settle for second place in the group, which would mean the prospect of facing Europes big guns of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the next round.

Tactics

The fact that Basel go into tomorrows match knowing they must pick up all three points to qualify, could play into Uniteds hands. They will have no choice but to go for it, allowing United to hit them on the break. But Ferguson will know the threat the Swiss pose in attack after they scored three goals at Old Trafford in September.

Danger man

Alexander Frei The experienced forward has been pivotal to Basels campaign, scoring in the wins over Otelul Galati and two goals in the 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old has scored four in as many games in the group stage. United have been warned.

X Factor

Goals Galore Only United (10) have scored more than Basle (nine) in Group C and their three at Old Trafford was evidence enough that they can pierce even the best defences.

Their determination to play attacking football has been a feature of their campaign so far and has won them ad! mirers.< br>
But if they have considerable firepower up front, they are also porous at the back. Only pointless Otelul Galati (10) have conceded more than Basel (nine) in the five group games so far.

Motivation

Its simple for Basel all or nothing. Only victory will be enough to avoid being consigned to the Europa League.

Form

Basel moved six points clear at the top of the Swiss Super League over the weekend after winning their title head-to-head with Luzern 1-0.

It was ideal preparation for the visit of United, adding to their outstanding domestic form, which has seen them go 14 games without defeat, winning 13 during that run.

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