The Portuguese winger, who has been in blistering form for United this season, suffered a gashed leg against Liverpool and was expected to miss at least a few games with the problem.

However, he has recovered quicker than sports betting pundits expected and will be looking to terrorise the Marseille defenders at some point this evening, even if he doesn’t quite make the starting line-up.

Perhaps Ferguson will look to get the job done without Nani so he can have more time to recover, only bringing him on if United need a goal or two.

The Red Devils certainly have to score at some stage if they are to win the game with the score at 0-0 after the first-leg. They will also be wary of Marseille going forward, because a goal for the French Champions means that United need two.

This could be when Nani is introduced. If the home side find themselves a goal behind with 20 minutes to go, that is the stage for the Portuguese international.

Ferguson may hope it doesn’t come to this, but it is positive for the team that Nani is available should he be required.

With regards to other team news, Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia are expected to be involved, as is Nemanja Vidic who missed training after picking up a knock in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal.

The biggest selection issue for Ferguson, aside from whether to risk Nani, will be whether to go with Hernandez or Berbatov up front alongside Wayne Rooney.

Regardless, those placing sports bets believe that United have enough to get the job done tonight. They need to make sure they don’t take their opponents lightly of course, but they should follow Tottenham into the last eight of the Champions League.

Sunderland haven’t beaten United since 1997, but Steve Bruce will be hoping star striker Darren bent can fire his team to a win today, particularly against United’s unusually leaky defence.

Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Valencia are all missing for the reds, while Rooney is not expected to be risked, despite telling Ferguson he’s ready to play.

Anton Ferdinand is doubtful for Sunderland with a hamstring strain, while Fraizer Campbell, David Meyler and John Mensah miss out through injury, and on loan striker Danny Welbeck is ineligible to play against the club that owns him.

Steve Bruce will hope to finally get one over on his former manager after after 15 failed attempts, and Sunderland’s recent form will give him hope. After beating Manchester City in the league, they can consider themselves unfortunate not to have taken six points from their games against Arsenal and Liverpool.

The return of Rio Ferdinand in Wednesday’s Champions League game appears to have sured up United’s defence, and Michael Carrick‘s presence in front of the back four will give United extra protection in midfield.

The continued absence of Wayne Rooney has been compensated by the splendid form of Dimitar Berbatov. His brilliant hat trick against Liverpool a sign that he’s finally found the form that first attracted Ferguson’s attention and prompted him to spend £30million to bring him to Old Trafford.

United are still to win away from home this season after disappointing draws at Everton and Fulham. Conceding late goals has been a pattern in United’s play so far this season, but a clean sheet on Wednesday against La Liga leaders Valencia could be a sign that the back four have finally got their act together.

What’s clear is that a much improved performance is needed if we’re to go into City’s back yard and come away with three valuable points. A dominating performance didn’t hide the fact that we were frustratingly clueless in the final third and hardly tested Paul Robinson in the Blackburn goal. The absence of Rooney didn’t help, but his return tomorrow could send us into the game full of confidence. World Cup 2010 betting odds place Rooney amongst the favourites to win the Golden Boot in South Africa following his incredible scoring rate this term, and with him leading the line at Eastlands tomorrow we’ll certainly look a much more dangerous outfit.

Manchester City also boast an in form striker, in the form of Argentine mercenary Carlos Tevez. After scoring three past us already this term and picking up last month’s player of the month award, he’ll be eager to put on a display for his former manager and current manager alike.

Rio Ferdinand is doubtful along with Ryan Giggs, but Owen Hargreaves is expected to start from the bench after 19 long months out. City meanwhile, are almost at full strength, with Wayne Bridge expected to return to his left back role and Joleon Lescott the only absentee.

It looks certain to be a fiery encounter, just as the previous games this season have been. United retain hope of winning the title if Chelsea slip up, while City are favourites to land 4th spot and secure Champions League football.

Prediction: United 2-1 City.

The Champions will be hoping to bounce back in style after the disappointing result at Goodison Park, by beating a West Ham side currently just 4 points above the relegation zone.

United are expected to welcome Rio Ferdinand back into the starting lineup after serving his 4 match ban for violent conduct, alongside Nemanja Vidic who has been absent with a nerve problem. The pair will bring much needed composure to the back line after recent nervy performances by stand-ins Wes Brown and Jonny Evans.

West Ham come to Old Trafford on the back of successive victories against Hull and Birmingham, but boss Gianfranco Zola has hinted that he may make changes.

United are clear favourites for the game, as usual at Old Trafford, but also because West Ham haven’t won an away game since the opening day of the season against Wolves. United beat West Ham convincingly at Upton Park in December.

Having already lost ground on Chelsea in the race for the title, United can’t afford another slip up tonight or they risk gifting the league leaders crucial breathing space. A win tonight puts them one point behind Chelsea who don’t play again until Saturday when they host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Squads

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Brown, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Park, Anderson, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Obertan, Gibson, Rooney, Owen, Berbatov, Diouf.

West Ham (from): Green, Stech, Spector, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Da Costa, Daprela, Parker, Behrami, Kovac, Collison, Noble, Diamanti, Stanislas, Cole, Mido, Ilan, Franco, McCarthy.

For Manchester United it’s a chance to show their noisy neighbours that they’re still the top dogs in Manchester, despite the huge sums of money spent this Summer. The added value of a win will also mean another year is added onto the famous banner in the Stretford End that records the number of years since City last won a trophy.

For City, this is simply their biggest game for decades. Not only is it against their biggest rivals, but it could symbolize a turning of the tide in Manchester. It could send a message that City are finally on their way to glory and become a stepping stone to greater things. When Manchester United won the Carling Cup in 2005, they got a taste of success and have dominated the league since. A win for City against the Champions tonight and against Aston Villa in the final could be the springboard that City need to mount a serious title challenge next season.

The online bookies all seem to be favouring the home side tonight, but events in the first leg could carry some passion into the second leg, meaning it won’t be an easy task for United.

City will be expected to play a big part in the outcome of tonight’s game, but while reading a thread on a betting forum earlier today I realized just how poor their away form has been recently. They conceded 3 goals at both Bolton and Tottenham. Conceded 2 more at Everton and another 2 at Scunthorpe, albeit in a 4-2 win.

The stats suggest their defence is there for the taking, but do United have what it takes to carve it open? In Wayne Rooney I believe they do. The England striker is in the form of his life at the moment and currently sits atop the Premier league goalscoring chart with 19 goals to his name. After pledging his future to United following recent speculation about his future, he’ll be eager to put in a performance tonight that will turn the tie back in United’s favour.

But as the saying goes, form goes out of the window when derby day comes around, so we’re sure to be in for a few twists and turns once Howard Webb blows the whistle at 8pm tonight.

City will no doubt sit back on their slender advantage and play on the counter attack, with United dominating possession as they did in the first leg. The game hinges on United’s ability to turn their possession into goals while at the same time dealing with City’s counter attacking tactics. Rio Ferdinand will bring some experience to the defence and be a leader from the back, while Rooney will work his socks off up front trying to create and score goals. If United can break through City’s defence early it will either be a very comfortable evening for the reds or turn into a very entertaining derby with end to end action. My money is on the latter.

What will the final score be?

Leave your predictions in the comments.

Venue: Craven Cottage
Date: Saturday, 19 December 2009
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Manchester United are still struggling in defence ahead of their trip to Fulham today.

Nemanja Vidic limped off during the midweek win against Wolves, but Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the Serb can recover in time for the trip to Craven Cottage.

Long term absentees include Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, John O’Shea and Wes Brown, so it would be a huge boost for Sir Alex if he could play a natural defender at the back alongside Michael Carrick, who is expected to continue in the heart of the back four.

Vidic admits he struggled at first with the busy festive period that the Premier League provides, but has now grown accustomed to it.

“Other leagues tend to stop,” said the Serbia defender.

“It not only helps physically but mentally as well.

“Obviously, in the first full year I was at the club I found it hard to adapt because the season was so long.

“But now, it is not a problem. I have been here for three full seasons now so I know what to expect. I am used to it and I can cope.”

Simon Davies, Andrew Johnson, Diomansy Kamara and Seol Hi-Kyeon are missing for the hosts.

Manchester United (from): Kuszczak, Foster, Fletcher, Vidic, De Laet, Evra, Park, Valencia, Obertan, Anderson, Carrick, Scholes, Gibson, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Welbeck, Tosic.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Paintsil, Hughes, Smalling, Kelly, Etuhu, Murphy, Gera, Greening, Dempsey, Riise, Zamora, Duff, Hangeland, Stockdale, Briggs, Saunders, Uwezu.

Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Tueday, 15December 2009
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson will be demanding a more ruthless attacking performance than was shown against Aston Villa for the visit of Wolverhampton at Old Trafford.

Last weekend Chelsea’s draw with Everton provided Manchester United with the chance to draw level at the top of the table, but profligacy in front of goal saw them succumb to a 0-1 defeat against Villa, which now leaves them 3 points behind their rivals.

However, a win against Wolves would make partial amends, taking Ferguson’s side level on points with the Londoners for at least 24 hours.

Ryan Giggs – recently named BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year – is unlikely to be risked, having been substituted at half time against Villa after suffering a mild hamstring strain.

United’s defensive crisis continues with the long list of absentee defenders remaining much the same, meaning Darren Fletcher is set to continue in his make-shift position at right-back.

Nemanja Vidic should start at centre-back alongside Wes Brown Usual centre half Rio Ferdinand and back up Jonny Evans are absent until the new year, and they’re joined on the injury list by captain Gary Neville (groin), John O’Shea (thigh), Fabio Da Silva (groin) and Rafael Da Silva(ankle). Kuszczak should continue in goal for the injured Van der Sar.

Wolves could be without Dave Edwards for up to ten weeks after the midfielder picked up an ankle ligament injury against Tottenham on Saturday and his absence could mean a recall for versatile full-back Kevin Foley, who is set to be drafted in on the right wing.

Manchester United (from): Kuszczak, Foster, Fletcher, Vidic, Carrick, Evra, Park, Nani, Valencia, Obertan, Anderson, Scholes, Gibson, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Welbeck.

Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Saturday, 12 December 2009
Kick-off: 1730 GMT

Nemanja Vidic returns to the starting line up for the visit of Aston Villa tomorrow, as the defensive injury crisis at Manchester United looks to be showing signs of easing.

Vidic will be partnered in defence by midfielder Michael Carrick, who performed so well in the trips to West Ham and Wolfsburg.

Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Ryan Giggs are all available for Sir Alex fergsuon, so his options are slowly getting better as the players recover from their respective injuries.

Michael Owen will be hoping to retain his place in the starting line up after an impressive hat trick in Germany last week. sir Alex Ferguson has told Owen not to give up on his dream going to the World Cup in South Africa next Summer, but he’ll have to keep up his goalscoring form to have any chance of getting there ahead of Jermain Defoe. But Fergie still believes that Owen has a chance.

Nevertheless, Ferguson thinks Owen could still force his way in, and insists the former Liverpool striker will get enough chances to impress over the next few months.

“Fabio has said himself, performance is the only thing that matters,” said Ferguson.

“If Michael is going to get to the World Cup it will be through his performance and I think Wednesday helps him.

“There is a view that he will not have played enough games. But he will play a sufficient number to be considered.

“That is the best chance he has got. That is all he can hope for.”

Aston Villa are buoyed by the return of defender James Collins, but whether manager Martin O’Neill will bring him straight back in or keep faith with Carlos Cuellar remains to be seen.

Manchester United (from): Kusczak, Foster, Fletcher, Vidic, Carrick, Evra, Park, Nani, Valencia, Obertan, Anderson, Scholes, Gibson, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Welbeck.

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, L. Young, Dunne, Downing, Warnock, Milner, Petrov, A. Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Delph, Reo-Coker, Beye, Clark, Collins.

Tickets for the game are available from Viagogo.

Venue: Volkswagen Arena
Date: Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Kick-off: 1945 GMT

Manchester United face Wolfsburg in Germany tonight facing the worst injury crisis they have had in recent memory. One which Sir Alex believes will delight their opponents.

“Wolfsburg will be delighted that we have so many injuries because it’s a big game for them,” the boss in Germany on Monday. “My main concern is getting players back from injury. I have to look at the bigger picture and that means looking to Saturday and future league games,” he told manutd.com.

Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Rafael, Fabio, Jonny Evans and John O’shea are all missing from United’s defence, meaning the only fit defender is left back Patrice Evra, although Oliver Gill as been drafted in from the reserves to provide cover.

Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are expected to form the central defence in front of back up goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczac, while Edwin van der Sar remains sidelined.

Midfield options are a little brighter for United. Long term absentee Owen Hargreaves is the only midfielder missing for the reds, but you might say Carrick and Fletcher are missing too as they’re needed in defence.

Up front, Sir Alex is again limited in his team selection. Dimitar Berbatov misses out through a knee injury and Wayne Rooney has a hamstring problem. Michael Owen and Danny Welbeck are the only strikers in the diminished squad.

Matty James, Cameron Stewart and Oliver Norwood, all 18 years old, are the three English midfielders that have been called up from the reserves to help with the injury problems, along with Norwegian Magnus Eikrem, aged 19.

United will play with no pressure tonight as they have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, but a point in Wolfsburg would confirm them as group winners, theoretically meaning an easier draw for the next round.

Paul Scholes told the BBC, “We want to win the game and finish top of the group.

“How much difference that makes to who we get in the next round, I am not too sure. There are lots of good teams at that stage of the tournament.”

Sir Alex agreed, “We’ve qualified for the Last 16, and looking at the groups I’m not sure whether first or second really matters.”

“So that is a major boost to us. If we are second, I don’t know if it does matter.“

Venue: Upton Park
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2009
Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Edwin van der Sar returns for Manchester united as they head to Upton Park to take on Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham.

Tomasz Kuszczak has deputised well since van der Sar injured his knee in a collision with Tim Cahill a fortnight ago, but is set to revert back to his bench role for tomorrow’s clash.

Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves are the long term absentees, while  Jonny Evans and John O’Shea. The former has a calf injury while the latter has a dead leg.

Brown and Vidic will continue in the centre of defence.

West Ham have been rocked by the news that Carton Cole will be out until January with knee ligament damage.

Valon Behrami, Luis Jimenez and Matthew Upson are also sidelined, and Mark noble is doubtful with a virus.

West Ham United (from): Green, Kurucz, Faubert, Da Costa, Gabbidon, Daprela, Tomkins, Ilunga, Spector, Kovac, Noble, Parker, Collison, Payne, Diamanti, Dyer, Hines, Stanislas, Franco.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, O’Shea, Brown, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Rafael, Valencia, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney, Owen, Macheda, Welbeck.

Venue: Old Trafford
Date:Saturday, 21 November 2009
Kick-off: 1730 GMT

Team news

Nemanja Vidic should return, but United’s defensive troubles are far from over. Rio Ferdinand is out, and John O’Shea and Jonny Evans are doubtful with respective ankle and calf injuries. Gary Neville misses out through suspension.

Everton have problems of their own. Jo, Howard, Neville, Osman, Roodwell, Pienaar and Saha are all doubtful with various injuries, while Arteta, Jagielka, Vaughan and Anichebe definitely miss out, all with knee injuries. Bilyaletdinov starts a two match suspension.

Preview

United will be hoping to continue their excellent record against Everton in the Premier League today. The champions have won 26 out of 34 games against Everton, lost 3 and drawn 5.

After slipping to third place in the Premier League, United will be expecting to collect all 3 points to get back on track following the disappointment of losing to Chelsea in controversial circumstances.

Everton’s season has so far stuttered due to the loss of several key players to injuries. Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and ex-Manchester United player Phil Neville have all been out for several months.

Jack Rodwell has stepped up in their absence, and if rumours are to be believed Sir Alex Ferguson will table a £20 million bid for the teenager in January.

Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Sunday, 8 November 2009
Kick-off: 1600 GMT

Manchester United will take on league leaders Chelsea this Sunday in a mouth watering encounter at Stamford bridge.

The Champions have problems in defence and will be hopeful Nemanja Vidic recovers in time to partner Jonny Evans in the middle.

The injury list includes Rio Ferdinand and Danny Welbeck, as well as long term absentees Owen Hargreaves and Park Ji Sung.

Those doubtful for the match are Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic.

Gary Neville misses the match through suspension.

Chelsea – by contrast – are in very good shape ahead of the weekend clash. Their only injured player is right back Jose Bosingwa.

Just two points separate the sides at the top of the table and Chelsea will be looking to continue their 100% home record under Carlo Ancelotti to stretch the gap to 5 points.

United’s recent defensive worries will be a cause for concern. Two goals conceded at Anfield and three conceded at home to CSKA moscow isn’t the kind of form you want to be taking to Stamford Bridge to face Didier Drogba – who with nine goals in 11 games looks to be back to his best.

Chelsea should be form favourites for the match. They haven’t conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge for over 13 hours, they’ve won their last ten consecutive home games , and haven’t been beaten there since November last year when they fell victim to Arsenal.

Sir Alex celebrates his 23rd year at the club today(Friday) and will be looking for something special on Sunday to commemorate his achievement. However, if you look at the form of Didier Drogba, combined with the lack of form of United’s defence, the signs are not good for the United manager.

Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs have already been ruled out.

Dimitar Berbatov is doubtful with a knee injury, while Park Ji Sung will not be considered, despite returning to training this week.

Darren Fletcher is expected to start the game and will hope to get a good run out ahead of the game with Chelsea at the weekend.

United only need one more win to guarantee progression to the knockout stages of the Champions league, so Sir Alex Ferguson won’t be risking his star players.

He’s expected to play a young line up which could include Danny Welbeck, who has performed well in the Carling Cup recently.

Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2009
Kick-off: 1730 GMT

Team news

Manchester United welcome Blackburn Rovers to Old Trafford tomorrow with a fully blown injury crisis to battle through.

In defense, Vidic and Ferdinand are both doubtful after picking up calf injuries, while captain Gary Neville is suspended.

Darren Fletcher and Park Ji Sung are still missing in midfield, with Ryan Giggs also carrying a knock and Danny Welbeck injured after shining in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley on Tuesday.

Samba, Grella and Chimbonda are doubtful for Blackburn, while Jason Roberts will definitely miss the game after contracting swine flu and being ordered to stay away from training.

_________________________

Our last outing in the Premier League was a disappointing 0-2 loss at Anfield, so Sir Alex will be demanding maximum points tomorrow as we look to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the league.

Blackburn have only managed one win at Old Trafford in 15 visits, so anything less than 3 points will be viewed as not being good enough.

Blackburn’s away form leaves a lot to be desired. They’ve racked up nine consecutive defeats away from Ewood Park and won’t seriously be expecting to come away with anything from this game.

Sir Alex will expect a good performance in front of the home fans and that should see us win comfortably against what is essentially a poor Blackburn side.

Michael Owen could be handed a Premier League start after his clinical finish against Barnsley proved he’s not lost his touch.