Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will lead The Red Devils out for the 1000th time tomorrow night at Old Trafford in the Champions League against French side Lyon.

A win tomorrow will not only seal a spot in the newly formed knock-out stages of the prestigious Champions League, but will mark a place in footballing history as the Scotsman becomes one of few managers ever to have managed one club for 1000 games.

The former Aberdeen boss, who has spent not only a successful, but a historical 18 years at Old Trafford is delighted his 1000th fixture is a European tie. "It's the perfect game for it, the European tie," admitted Ferguson.

"Some of my greatest moments have been in European matches and hopefully we'll have another one tomorrow."

He added: "Our home form in Europe over the last few years has been excellent. Hopefully it will hold up again because Lyon are a strong side and we are expecting a very good game.

"I think to win the group we have to win the home game."

United currently lay 2nd in Group, behind Lyon, and a victory will guarantee a place in the latter stages.

Full backs Gabriel Heinze and Gary Neville are set to return to the squad after being rested for Saturday's 2-0 league triumph over Charlton Athletic. Ruud van Nistelrooy is now fully recovered from a hip injury he sustained on international with Holland. The Dutchman only managed 76 minutes against Alan Curbishley's side. Cristiano Ronaldo may start on the bench following the dazzling performances from wingers Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher on the weekend.

Louis Saha is the only definite absentee with a knee injury, which is likely to deprive the Frenchman from action for a month.

Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, Claudio Cacapa and Brazilian Elber are the only players missing for the visitors.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: United 3 - Lyon 0 - We've been scoring free-flow in Europe this season, and I think we'll score 3 against Lyon. However, I'm worried about leaking the goals in, put I'm being optimistic thinking we'll keep a clean sheet!

Sir Alex Ferguson's Games

League games: 707
FA Cup: 78
League Cup: 65
Euro Cup/Champs League: 115
Cup Winners Cup: 13
Charity Shield: 11
Uefa Cup: 4
World Club Championship: 3
Other: 3