Manchester United manager David Moyes is anticipating a difficult game against Olympiakos in Athens tonight.
Despite their Premier League struggles, United are expected to see off the Greeks and book a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Tonight’s first leg is at the Karaiskakis Stadium, where Olympiakos have lost just two domestic games in the past four years.
A section of the stadium will be closed after UEFA charged the club for “the racist conduct of supporters, insufficient organisation, the setting-off of fireworks and the use of a laser” during a group match against Belgian side Anderlecht but Moyes believes United will face an intimidating atmosphere in the Greek capital.
“It will be far from easy,” the United boss said.
“Olympiakos came through a difficult group with Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain [and Anderlecht].
“They have a great home record so it will be a difficult night.”
United are 11 points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and look set to miss out on next season’s Champions League — unless they win this season’s competition.
Wayne Rooney, who has signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal with United, thinks this could be their year to win a fourth European crown.
“We’ve certainly got the quality in the team to go really far so, hopefully, we can do that,” the United striker said.
“We’ve been excellent in the Champions League this season and, hopefully, we can take that into the game tonight.”
Moyes confirmed that injured defenders Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have not travelled with the squad. Midfielder Nani is also unavailable because of a hamstring injury but Rafael and Danny Welbeck are back following their respective head and knee problems.
