In a Group where Manchester United are the overwhelming favorites, the 19-time English league champions will be wary of complacency when they take on Sporting Braga in the Champions League at Old Trafford Tuesday.
The elite competition in Europe has thrown in quite a few surprises of late - none more so than the shock defeat of Bayern Munich by BATE Borisov.
Keeping that in mind, Sir Alex Ferguson will be keen to ensure there are no slip-ups, similar to the ones experienced last year, as United look to keep their perfect record in the Champions League this year.
Ferguson is expected to make a few wholesale changes, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra expected to be rested, giving the likes of Scott Wooton and the returning Ashley Young a chance to make an impression.
"I'll be leaving out Rio and Patrice Evra, and a couple of the older players, in light of the game on Sunday (against league leaders Chelsea).
"We've had some success with a diamond recently, while at this club we've always had a tradition of playing with wide players. We've got Ashley Young back, Nani, (Antonio) Valencia and (Ryan) Giggs, who are all wide players, while we've got plenty of options in central midfield too.
"We actually rested players on Saturday (against Stoke) like (Shinji) Kagawa and (Tom) Cleverley, both who've been playing very well -- so I wouldn't say we're underestimating Braga at all. I think the level of the game in England and Europe is so high now, that making yourself unpredictable can be a strength. When it comes to United, teams will now have to think: 'Are they going to play with two out wide? Or with a midfield diamond?'
"With players like Kagawa, Cleverley and Giggs, they can give us that flexibility."
United will be wary of Braga's prowess on the counterattack, with Ferguson expecting his opponents to sit back and invite the home team to attack, like their previous opponents at home-- Galatasaray. Ferguson will most likely keep the diamond formation, with Rooney excelling in that role, although a 4-3-3 cannot be ruled out.
"For me, Braga are better away from home and they proved that with their 2-0 win at Galatasaray. So, once again it looks like counterattacking football will play a big part, which we also saw in our first game here against Galatasaray.
"They caused us problems but we managed to hold out until half time and took a hold of the game in the second period."
Braga caused a few hiccups for Arsenal a couple of years back in the Champions League, and manager Jose Peseiro will be hoping for a similar result against United, even if the Arsenal result might have been at their home ground.
"We've got good players and a good team too, so we're going to be trying to win," Peseiro said. "But if we can't win then a draw is a good result too. We'll need to defend well, try and keep hold of the ball and keep believing we are capable of winning.
"Of course, we don't have the same resources as United, but I have complete faith in the players I've got. It doesn't do the coach or players any good at all if you start thinking any other way."
Expected lineups: Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Wootton, Buttner; Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Rooney; Welbeck, Van Persie.
Braga: Quim; Baiano, Coelho, Vinicius, Ismaily; Djamal, Mossoro, Viana, Barbosa; Michel, Alan.
Prediction: 3-1 to Manchester United
