By David Hobbs
October 17 2005

Manchester United play hosts to French outfit Lille on Tuesday evening as the visitors search for their first Champions League victory.

Manchester United v. LOSC Lille
UEFA Champions League
Old Trafford
18th October, 2005 

Manchester United play hosts to French outfit Lille on Tuesday evening as the visitors search for their first Champions League victory.

Lille have only managed a draw with Villarreal and a defeat to Benfica so far this season in Europe while United top Group D of the Champions League on 4 points.

The Red Devils go into the game off the back of a 3-1 victory over Sunderland, courtesy of goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Giuseppe Rossi. Lille could only manage a 1-1 draw with Le Mans over the weekend however.

Sir Alex Ferguson has done his homework on Tuesday's opponents, commenting: "It's a difficult game in the sense that Lille are a very committed side. There's a lot of energy in the team and they don't lose a lot of goals.

"It won't be easy but we have home advantage. It's important we keep our record in the group stages that we've got at home by winning."

Meanwhile, in Group D's other match of Tuesday evening, Villarreal are at home to Portuguese champions Benfica.

Team News: 
Phil Bardsley is in-line for a second consecutive start at right-back while Kieran Richardson is a major doubt after being injured while training with England. Therefore, John O'Shea will continue his spell at left-back.

Despite not featuring on Saturday, Ferguson is hopeful he can include Ryan Giggs in his squad after picking up a light hamstring injury playing for Wales. 

He said: "Hopefully, he will be alright for Tuesday. Sitting on a bus for three hours doesn't help it so it was better to leave him behind on Saturday. He has tightness of the hamstring after playing two games in four days for Wales.

After scoring his first senior goal for United, Giuseppe Rossi is pushing for a first-team start. 

ManUtdWeb Prediction:
The momentum picked up against Sunderland and the confidence that Van Nistelrooy, Rooney and even Rossi accumulated from their goals on the weekend will be vital. I'm predicating a 2-0 United win.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]