In a crucial Group A clash of the Champions League, Copenhagen will host Manchester United at Parken Stadium on Wednesday night. The Danish side will be looking for revenge after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Red Devils in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford two weeks ago.
Copenhagen gave a strong performance in their previous match against Man United but ended up empty-handed. Harry Maguire’s second-half header and a dramatic last-minute penalty save from Andre Onana secured a 1-0 win for the Red Devils.
Having accumulated only one point from their first three Champions League fixtures, Copenhagen faces a challenging task to secure a top-two finish in Group A, as they currently sit at the bottom of the group, three points behind second-placed Galatasaray.
However, Copenhagen has been in good form domestically, with three consecutive wins, including a 4-0 victory over Hvidovre, a 1-0 win against Midtjylland in the Danish Cup, and a 4-2 success against Randers in the top-flight.
Copenhagen currently sits at the top of the Superliga, four points clear of second-placed Brondby. They are now preparing to host Man United at Parken Stadium for the first time since their memorable 1-0 home victory over the Red Devils in the 2006-07 Champions League group stage.
Despite this historic victory, Copenhagen has struggled against English clubs in European competition, failing to win any of their last 10 meetings. They have also drawn their last six Champions League home games, with five of them ending in 0-0 stalemates.
Manchester United, on the other hand, recently secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Fulham in the Premier League, ending a run of poor form. This win has slightly eased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, as Man United had previously suffered two 3-0 defeats at home to Newcastle United and Manchester City in the EFL Cup and Premier League, respectively.
However, the Red Devils are currently six points away from the Premier League’s top four teams, and they need to focus on their Champions League campaign. They must avoid dropping points in the match against Copenhagen if they hope to move into second place in Group A before facing Galatasaray in the next matchday.
Man United has a relatively good record in Denmark, winning seven of their last ten European matches in the country. But they have lost two of their last three away games in Denmark. In European competition, Man United has only won one of their last seven away Champions League matches, with a 2-0 victory against Villarreal in November 2021.
Copenhagen will be without several key players due to injury, including William Clem, David Khocholava, Birger Meling, and Mohamed Elyounoussi, who is doubtful for the match.
Valdemar Lund could be part of the matchday squad, but he is unlikely to start. The Hojlund brothers, Oscar and Emil, will be pushing for a starting spot, and Facundo Pellistri may replace Antony on the right flank.
Manchester United will be without Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof, who are minor doubts. Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho are unavailable for selection.
Raphael Varane could return, potentially replacing Jonny Evans, and Diogo Dalot may start at left-back, challenging Sergio Reguilon. The midfield is expected to feature Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes, while Antony could be replaced by Facundo Pellistri on the right flank.