United, Juve, Out For European Boost

[Folami David]

Both Manchester United and Juventus will be looking to get some succour from Europe after disappointing results in their domestic. leagues at the weekend while Welsh star Gareth Bale could make only his second start of the season for Real Madrid after a succession of niggling injuries:
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Manchester United (ENG) v Real Sociedad
(ESP)
United may be enduring a torrid start to the Premier League, the weekend draw with Southampton leaving the titleholders in unusual territory -eighth place and their worst start in 24 years. Europe has proved more forgiving, with David Moyes' side topping Group A on goal difference after the Leverkusen win and Shakhtar stalemate.
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Pointless Real need to leave Old Trafford with something if they are to inject some life into their first CL campaign in a decade. Whatever happens the outcome is unlikely to be as harsh as their only previous visit to England, when they crashed 6-0 at Liverpool in the 1975/76 Uefa Cup.
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They received a welcome boost for this first ever meeting between the two teams with a 2-1 win over Valencia in La Liga at the weekend.
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Group B
Real Madrid (ESP) v Juventus (ITA)
Real Madrid are sailing regally to the knockout stages, the Spaniards' topping Group B after crushing defeats of FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
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Real could field Gareth Bale, who returned to action after minor injuries as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Malaga which left Carlo Ancelotti's men in third. Juve's visit precedes the first 'el clasico' of the season with a trip to Barcelona looming at the weekend. Xabi Alonso, sidelined since fracturing a foot in August, is full recovered but unlikely to be thrust straight back into the fray.
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With two draws Juve are waiting for their first win, and hardly had the best preparations for the trip to the Bernabeu a 4-2 loss, their first of the season, to Fiorentina. Coach Antonio Conte spoke about "a massive test', adding: "Madrid are arguably one of the most ambitious teams. We're facing a club that really want this title, because of their history and their hunt for a tenth European Cup."