Manchester United Fans Club

Ryan Giggs is Sir Alex Ferguson’s only doubt ahead of the clash with Lyon as he is struggling with a calf problem. The Welsh winger has been hampered by the injury since the first leg of the Champions League tie.

Ferguson said: “The knock he took in the Lyon game has proved to be a bit more complicated than we first thought. “He did a bit in training on Monday morning but he is still doubtful for the game.”

Giggs is unlikely to be risked but Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic looks set to return to the side. He trained following a similar injury to Giggs and looks likely to resume his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the back.

Meanwhile, Ferguson is banking on Manchester United chalking up another important milestone and advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Victory over Lyon will see his side equal Juventus’ record in the competition of 10 straight home victories in the competition.

The match is finely balanced after the first leg in France finished all square at 1-1. United breezed past Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kyiv and Roma this season at home.

That gave them a firm foothold in the group stages and they finished first in style. Asked why United are so formidable at Old Trafford in Europe against top teams, Ferguson replied: “We have been good.”

He added: “Our home record in European football has been the foundation of our group successes. “I have said it many times you need 10 points to qualify. If you get three home wins it is a big help. It means you only need a point on the road.

“The atmosphere at Old Trafford helps. There is a big stimulant for the fans to come to European nights. “The players also increase their expectation levels to do well in these games.”

Lyon extended their lead at the top of the French League at the weekend when they defeated Lille in front of a record French crowd of 78,000 at the Stade de France and Ferguson expects a difficult game.

“There is still work to do,” said the United boss. “Lyon have to score and it could be interesting. “They will try and play attacking football. But we have the bonus of scoring an away goal and played better in the first leg than was suggested. It was not a bad performance.”

Lyon club captain Cris has declared himself ready to face United after making a successful return from long-term injury at the weekend.

The central defender had been sidelined for almost seven months after rupturing knee ligaments against Toulouse in the second game of the Ligue 1 season, but played 90 minutes on Saturday as the champions defeated Lille 1-0.

Cris told the club’s official website: “I felt fine. I’m happy to have finally gotten back out onto the field. “Before the game, I concentrated a lot mentally. After six months out, it was difficult to find my rhythm.

“It’s up to the coach now, but whoever he puts out, it will be the right choice.”

Assistant coach Christophe Galtier said the Brazilian’s return had come as a huge boost but was guarded on his chances of facing United, with Jean-Alain Boumsong eyeing a recall after being dropped in favour of Cris for the Lille match.

United probable line up: Van der Sar (G), Wes Brown (D), Nemanja Vidic (D), Rio Ferdinand (D), Patrice Evra (D), Owen Hargreaves (M) Paul Scholes (M), Cristiano Ronaldo (M), Luis Nani (M), Carlos Tevez (S), Wayne Rooney (S)

Venue: Old Trafford, 17:45 UK
Predict Score: Manchester United 4-0 Lyon