The Group A Permutations

Basel's approach to the Champions League tie at St. Jakob-Park could depend on the outcome of CSKA Moscow's clash with Benfica, according to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

The other game in Group A kicks off earlier, at 17:00 GMT, with CSKA still harbouring hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages. The Russians and Basel are both on six points with the Swiss side definitely through if they win and CSKA lose, due to a superior head-to-head record.

Benfica’s only hope of progressing is if United win and they manage to get their first points on the board with victory in Moscow. Mourinho’s men have a 100 per cent record and will definitely finish as group winners with a draw, while a CSKA loss will confirm qualification for the Reds.

“The fact is CSKA play before them and I think it can give Basel a different approach to the game,” the boss told MUTV. “If CSKA win, they know they have to win. If CSKA do not win, they know that one point is enough for them. So I think it depends on that and I feel that it is an advantage for them with CSKA starting before.

“But we try to win. If it’s not possible, we try to get the point to qualify. But we try to win.”