Manchester, Oct 23: Manchester United will eye a hat-trick of wins in the UEFA Champions League when they entertain Portuguese side Sporting Braga at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to rest key defenders Rio Ferdinand and left-back Patrice Evra for the clash against Braga keeping in mind the crunch tie against Chelsea on Sunday. Alexander Buttner is in line for a start for Evra.

With Phil Jones and Nemanja Vidic sidelined, Chris Smalling, who recoverd for the clash against Stoke City but did not feature, could start alongside Jonny Evans in defence while Ferguson could opt for youngsters Scott Wootton.

United have plenty in midfield with Tom Cleverley and Anderson waiting for a start while Shinji Kagawa is definite to start after being rested for the Stoke game. Veteran Paul Scholes could be rested for the clash against Chelsea.

After beating Galatasaray 2-0 away from home, Braga are in sublime form remaining unbeaten in three league games.

Jose Peseiro will have to choose between four midfielders for the clash at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim and Ruben Micael will fight for a place with Helder Barcosa and Marcio Mossoro. Striker Eder remains Braga's focal point while Hugo Viana and Custodio will start in midfield.

Trivia:

*Manchester United have lost just one game in 36 home games in the UEFA Champions League.

*Manchester United's record against Portuguese oppositions read W14 D5 L4.

Probable Lineups:

Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea-Rafael, Wootton, Evans, Buttner-Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Young-Rooney, Van Persie

Sporting Braga (4-2-3-1): Beto-Baiano, Douglao, Vinicius, Elderson-Custodio, Viana-Alan, Mossoro, Barbosa-Eder

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