John Peters
Do or die: Van Gaal knows his side must win this evening
Manchester United face a do-or-die clash at Wolfsburg this evening in their bid to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
Only victory in Germany will secure their progression - anything less would see them crash out at the group stage if PSV Eindhoven topple CSKA Moscow in the evening's other fixture in Group B.
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Can United's misfiring strikers find their scoring boots? Will injuries to key players send them packing to the Europa League?
Here is everything you need to know ahead of tonight's clash...
Reuters
Sticky situation: Missing chances against PSV could haunt United1. When is the match and where can I see it?
The game will kick off at 7.45pm this evening and will be broadcast live on BT Sport.
Mirror Football will be running a LIVE blog so you can keep up with proceedings if you can't get near a television.
2. Team news
Wolfsburg: Defender Robin Knoche will definitely miss out with an ankle injury, while there are also doubts over the fitness of Luis Gustavo and Ricardo Rodriguez.
Former Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle could continue in attack.
Manchester United: Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin did not travel with a youthful looking squad as they recover from injuries.
They join Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera on the sidelines as Louis van Gaal's injury problems mount up.
3. Predicted sides
Wolfsburg:
Manchester United:
4. Reasons for Wolfsburg fans to be optimistic
They have enjoyed a good European campaign so far, topping Group B after five matches.
United are winless in their last three in all competitions, and are struggling for goals.
Despite defeat against Borussia Dortmund last time out, they kept clean sheets in each of their three previous outings.
5. Reasons for Manchester United fans to be optimistic
Despite an indifferent Champions League campaign so far, progression is in their own hands.
They beat Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford when the two sides met earlier in the season.
Despite having trouble finding the net, they continue to be solid at the back.
6. Previous meetings
30 September 2009: Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg
8 December 2009: Wolfsburg 1-3 Manchester United
30 September 2015: Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg
7. Recent form
Wolfsburg - Last 5 games
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29 November 2015: Augsburg 0-0 Wolfsburg
25 November 2015: CSKA Moscow 0-2 Wolfsburg
21 November 2015: Wolfsburg 6-0 Werder Bremen
7 November 2015: Mainz 05 2-0 Wolfsburg
Manchester United - Last 5 games
5 December 2015: Manchester United 0-0 West Ham United
28 November 2015: Leicester City 1-1 Manchester United
25 November 2015: Manchester United 0-0 PSV Eindhoven
21 November 2015: Watford 1-2 Manchester United
7 November 2015: Manchester United 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
8. Wolfsburg's key man
Christof Koepsel
Tricky: Caliguri could cause United problemsNot the most eye-catching name on either team sheet, but United would be wise not to forget about the presence of Daniel Caliguri.
The 27-year-old can play on either flank, or even at fightback, and has impressed with Die Wolves since joining from Freiburg in 2013.
He scored at Old Trafford, stealthily breaking past the United defence before coolly beating David De Gea, and the hard-working winger tends to leave a positive impression when called upon by Dieter Hecking.
If he starts at the Volkswagen Arena, look out for him making runs in off the flanks, inside the United left-back; his movement from that positions reminiscent of another German, Thomas Muller.
9. Manchester United's key man
Midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger has been bullish about United's chances of progression, and they will be relying on him for a typically assured display this evening.
The German will need to step up in the absence of Morgan Schneiderlin, dictate play from the centre of the park and try and supply the players further up the pitch with chances to cause Wolfsburg problems.
Schweinsteiger has settled into life with United well following his summer switch from Bayern Munich, and is no stranger to facing Bundesliga opposition.
The Red Devils will be counting on his experience to help get them the win they need.
10. Betting odds
Wolfsburg: 11/9
Draw: 23/10
Manchester United: 21/10
Odds collected from Paddy Power
11. Quote corner
Getty
Bullish: Van Gaal says the goals will comeManchester United boss Louis van Gaal on Red Devils' scoring woes: “You never know for sure, but I have the experience as a manager to know the goals will come.
“When you're creating chances you will start finishing them. We have that belief, it’s just a matter of time, and I hope we can prove that here.
“At this moment, this is the most important match because it’s very important for the club to continue in the Champions League and the players want to show their qualities at the highest level."
Wolfsburg forward Andre Schurrle on United's lack of goals: “It's a little bit surprising because they have great players, great offensive players.
“It's always important to get the first goal. If we can get it, then psychologically it will be good for us because we'll get a little bit more space and stuff like that.
Mind games: Schurrle thinks the first goal will be vital
“It's a little bit surprising United have struggled to score many goals, but in the end they are amazing players and they know where the goal is, so we have to be very careful about these players.
“I wouldn't say it [United's fear factor] has decreased, because when you speak about Manchester United, you know they have great players, always.
“You also have to see the current situation and in the current situation they are still third in the league. But we know we will get our chances and if we take them we can have a great game.”
“I wouldn't say it [United's fear factor] has decreased, because when you speak about Manchester United, you know they have great players, always.
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