Last year’s finalists, Manchester United reached a routine away win in the first round against Turkish champion Besiktas. On their Champions league debut Wolfsburg were convincing against CSKA and deserved to win 3:1 in front of their fans.

Stoke continued with good performances having taken a point from Bolton and they are now hoping to surprise United after the unlucky defeat to Chelsea in their last home game. Michael Owen was the saviour for United in the clash with City, while Danny Wellbeck scored the winning goal against QPR, and Ferguson wouldn’t mind seeing someone else bringing him all the points from Britannia Stadium.

Manchester United once again proved they were serious title contenders by coming on top of the extremely exciting local derby against City and the hosts are expected to continue the momentum by beating Wolves in the Carling Cup game. The visitors are also in good spirits following the win over Fulham but they are unlikely to spring a surprise at Old Trafford.

The Manchester derby is always an exciting affair but this match will be a whole lot different than the previous ones, mostly because the teams have never been more evenly matched. United managed to rediscover their form after the poor start of the season and they enter the match in high spirits, but the Citizens are also brimming with confidence after four straight league wins.

Turkish Super Lig champions Besiktas start their Champions League campaign against last year’s runners up Manchester United and their latest results don’t give them a lot of reason for optimism. United, however, are raising their form and they are definitely the favourites here.

Tottenham are tied on points with leaders Chelsea having won all four league games and if they can beat Manchester, then anything is possible. United continued the winning run despite another below-par performance, but they will have to play a great game if they want to take all three points from White Hart Lane.

The first big derby of the season will see Manchester United host Arsenal in what will be a big test for both sides, Manchester enter the game on the back of 5:0 win over Wigan, whereas Arsenal continued their winning run by beating Celtic in the Champions League final qualifying round.

Wigan ruined the good result from Villa Park having lost at home to Wolves and this is definitely not the right time to be facing Manchester United as the visitors are eager to make amends for the shock defeat to Burnley.

Burnley lost their first ever Premiership game to Stoke and the losing run is likely to continue as the Clarets are set to host champions Manchester United. United started the title defence with a narrow win over Birmingham and they are hot favourites in this match as well.

Champions Manchester United start their title defence against newly-promoted Birmingham City as they aim to return to winning ways after losing the Community Shield trophy to Chelsea. Alex McLeish has big problems with injured players and that is likely to damage Birmingham’s chances of getting away with something from Old Trafford.