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Man United face test of character

November 02, 2005 13:31 IST

Manchester United [ Images ] visit Lille [ Images ] in the Champions League [ Images ] on Wednesday with manager Alex Ferguson [ Images ] under extreme pressure following Saturday's 4-1 thrashing at Middlesbrough.

Only three points separate the four teams in Group D and a win for leaders United in Paris would put the 1999 winners within sight of a place in the last 16.

Anything less, though, could see them deposed at the top by either Benfica [ Images ] or their Spanish guests on Wednesday, Villarreal [ Images ].

While United's progress is uncertain, a place in the knockout phase with two games to spare is on offer for Bayern Munich [ Images ], Arsenal [ Images ] and Barcelona [ Images ].

Bayern visit Juventus [ Images ] knowing a repetition of their victory two weeks ago over the Italians, who lost their first Serie A match of the season at the weekend, will give them an unassailable 12 points in Group A.

Arsenal will also confirm their place in the last 16 should they dispatch Group B's bottom club Sparta Prague at Highbury to make it four wins out of four.

Both Bayern and Arsenal could also go through with draws if other results go their way.

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