Manchester United vs Panathinaikos
Tuesday 16th September 
Champions League 1st Group Stage

Manchester United will kick-off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday, as they take on Greek outfit Panathinaikos at Old Trafford.  

Opponents Panathinaikos are currently flying in the Greek Premiership. They are top of the league after playing 3 and winning 3. Fresh after a 3-1 win over Kallithea on the weekend, they will be out to get revenge after United took 4 points off them in the Champions League 2000/2001 2^nd group stage.

They also got to the quarter-finals of last season’s UEFA cup, being knocked out by eventual winners Porto.

United are also fresh from a win in their domestic league, beating Charlton Athletic 2-0 on Saturday.

The Red Devils haven’t lost an opening game of the Champions League since 1996 when they narrowly lost 1-0 away to Juventus.

The latest team news from Old Trafford is that Roy Keane will miss the game due to an ankle injury he picked up at The Valley. Paul Scholes (hernia) and Kleberson (dislocated shoulder) are also out. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his Champions League debut.

Mikael Silvestre and John O’Shea are both fighting fit after they suffered injuries whilst on international duty with their respective countries and both are doubts for the game.

  Nicky Butt and Eric Djemba-Djemba are set to start in midfield and Ole Gunner Solskjaer is set to start on the right.

Dimitrios Papadopoulos and Emmanuel Olisadebe are set to lead the attack for the Greek team as they look to get revenge on United.  

His pace and skills will test the United defence all night, and don't be surprised if he scores.

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These type of Champions League games are always going to be difficult, but I'm feeling optimistic. I think United will stroll to a 3-1 victory over the Greeks.

                               U-N-I-T-E-D

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