Como Aim to Extend Home Dominance Against Struggling Manchester United
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
Serie A outfit Como enter Wednesday's Champions League clash against Manchester United riding high on momentum after their impressive group stage opener. Managed by former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, who famously represented the Gunners during their historic rivalry with United, Como claimed fourth place in Serie A last season to earn their first-ever appearance in the competition proper . The Italian club wasted no time making their mark, dismantling German side RB Leipzig 4-1 at home in their opening fixture, demonstrating the quality that has caught the attention of European football . Meanwhile, United travel to Italy languishing in their worst run of form in recent memory, having failed to win any of their last six matches across all competitions . The Red Devils were soundly beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in their most recent Champions League outing, leaving manager Michael Carrick facing mounting pressure to reverse the club's fortunes .
Key Points
- Como secured fourth place in Serie A last season, earning their inaugural appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage as first-time participants from major leagues .
- The Italian side opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig at home, followed by a narrow 2-3 away defeat to Feyenoord .
- Argentine forward Nico Paz, personally praised by Lionel Messi, has been repositioned as an attacking midfielder by Fabregas and contributed one goal and one assist in the recent Serie A match .
- Greek striker Douvikas has found the net five times in nine appearances across all competitions this season and is expected to start against United after being on the bench in the previous European fixture .
- Manchester United remain winless in six consecutive matches, with defender Lisandro Martinez casting doubt over his availability after sustaining a half-time injury in the Premier League .
- United's defensive resources have been further stretched by Yoro's suspension, Ayden Heaven's illness, and Luke Shaw joining the injury list, leaving Carrick with limited options at the back .
- The midfield partnership of Andrey Santos, Baleba, and Tielemans has struggled to provide defensive cover, with the team's attacking and defensive units failing to connect effectively .
- Winger Assane Diao and defender Trevoh Chalobah are both doubts for Como due to injuries sustained in recent matches, though the club possesses quality squad depth to cover their absence .
Why It Matters
This fixture represents a symbolic full circle for Fabregas, who rose to prominence at Arsenal during their bitter rivalry with Manchester United in the 2000s, now returning as a manager hunting victory against his former adversaries. For Hong Kong viewers tuning into Now 638 at 00:45 HKT on October 22, the match offers a compelling narrative of a rising force in European football testing themselves against a traditional giant navigating turbulent waters. The outcome could significantly impact group stage qualification prospects while also providing early indicators of whether United can arrest their alarming decline under mounting scrutiny.
This fixture represents a symbolic full circle for Fabregas, who rose to prominence at Arsenal during their bitter rivalry with Manchester United in the 2000s, now returning as a manager hunting victory against his former adversaries. For Hong Kong viewers tuning into Now 638 at 00:45 HKT on October 22, the match offers a compelling narrative of a rising force in European football testing themselves against a traditional giant navigating turbulent waters. The outcome could significantly impact group stage qualification prospects while also providing early indicators of whether United can arrest their alarming decline under mounting scrutiny.