Como and Manchester United meet in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday 21 October, with both clubs sitting on three points from their opening two matches. Como occupy 17th place in the 36-team league table and United are directly beneath them in 18th, according to the BBC's table. The fixture has been complicated by dangerous weather warnings that could force the game to be postponed, Goal.com reports.
Why it matters
The new league-phase format leaves little room for error, and a win in northern Italy would give either side a foothold in the race for the top eight, which earns direct entry to the round of 16. Positions nine through 24 lead to a play-off round, so early dropped points carry real weight. For United, the match is also a test of how Michael Carrick's side responds after a mixed start.
Where both teams stand
Como have played two matches, winning one and losing one, with six goals scored and four conceded. United's record is identical in shape — one win, one loss — but they have found the net four times and let in two. Both clubs therefore carry a goal difference of plus two into the meeting, making the table positions almost inseparable.
At the top of the standings, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have each won all three of their games and sit on nine points, with PSG leading on goal difference. Stuttgart are third on seven points. Aston Villa, Sporting CP, Arsenal and Real Madrid are among the clubs on six points with games in hand.
Team news and line-ups
United's starting XI, as listed in the BBC's match information, features Lammens in goal behind a back four of Diogo Dalot, Maguire, de Ligt and Mazraoui. Andrey Santos and Tielemans anchor the midfield, with Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Mount supporting the attack.
Como's line-up lists Butez in goal, with Yan Couto, Kempf, Ramón and Valle forming the defence. Perrone and Milla sit in midfield behind Baturina, Paz and captain da Cunha, with Douvikas leading the line. Among Como's substitutes are Robert Sánchez, Caqueret, Dossena and Ricci.
Sky Sports is carrying live score updates, while the Manchester Evening News has published broadcast and kick-off details. The Racing Post has issued its own betting preview, and Sports Illustrated has run a match preview with predictions and line-ups.
Weather casts a shadow
Goal.com reported that United face what it described as fixture chaos, with dangerous weather warnings threatening the match in Como. talkSPORT has also reported an update on the risk of the European tie being called off. No confirmation of a postponement has been reported.
What to watch
Whether the game goes ahead as scheduled, and whether either side can break clear of the crowded middle of the table, will be the focus on Wednesday night.
