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Basel v Utd battles

We look at the crucial individual encounters likely to decide the outcome of Manchester United's clash with Basel as the two go head to head in the UEFA Champions League...

We look at the crucial encounters likely to decide the outcome of Manchester United's clash with Basel.

Manchester United take on Basel knowing they must avoid defeat to go through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. They have already found the Swiss champions difficult opponents once this season, when they threw away a two-goal lead and needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Ashley Young to salvage a draw at Old Trafford. Here, we looks at the key battles that may decide the outcome of the clash.

ALEKSANDAR DRAGOVIC v WAYNE ROONEY

Rooney excelled at St Jakob Park on England duty in September last year. How United could do with a repeat showing from their talisman. Dragovic is a useful defender though so Rooney needs to be on form.

XHERDAN SHAQIRI v CHRIS SMALLING

Shaqiri is one of Switzerland's most promising players, appearing at the World Cup in South Africa aged just 18 and attracting the attention of top Premier League clubs. He has a nifty turn of speed and is pretty useful cutting in off the flank so Smalling has a job on his hands.

ALEXANDER FREI v NEMANJA VIDIC

Frei has a wealth of international experience for club and country, which he put to good use by scoring twice at Old Trafford. Vidic was absent then through injury and it is no surprise United have tightened up since he returned.

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