Charlie Nicholas states his prediction for Basel v Man United
The Arsenal legend is backing Manchester United to pick up a point against Swiss side Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday night
Charlie Nicholas is tipping Manchester United to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stage thanks to a 1-1 draw at Basel on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League so far this season thanks to victories over Basel and CSKA Moscow.
Manchester United beat Benfica at the Estadio de Luz and Old Trafford to leave Jose Mourinho’s side requiring one more point to qualify for the round of 16.
The Manchester club were 3-0 winners against Swiss outfit Basel in their Champions League opener at Old Trafford to make a bright start to their European campaign.
The Red Devils are looking to win the competition for the first time since 2008 when Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
Mourinho’s men have already tasted Europa League glory with Mourinho following a 2-0 win against Dutch giants Ajax in Stockholm.
Former Arsenal midfielder Nicholas is backing Manchester United to ease to a 1-1 draw with Basel to secure their progress to the next Champions League stage.
“Basel always seem capable of claiming a scalp and they are going well in the group, with a result here putting them in real contention to qualify,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.
“I think these are the games where he’d like to have Zlatan Ibrahimovic in there, although we’ll have to see whether he’s ready to start a game, while I don’t think he’ll risk Paul Pogba.
“The job has been pretty much done for Manchester United here, whereas Basel will fight tooth and nail for a result, so I think that evens things up.”
Manchester United finished in sixth place in the Premier League last season in their first campaign under Mourinho.
The Red Devils won the League Cup and the Europa League under Mourinho last term.
