It looks like Fergie's going to rest Howard and Keano. I don't think Keano can play 3 matches a week anymore so that makes sense. And Roy Carroll should be fine filling in for Tim. Otherwise, I hope we put out our strongest side. As things stand now, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus will all probably finish top of their group. I would rather not play any of those teams in the next round.
________________________________________________
Scholes and Carroll could face Stuttgart
Sir Alex Ferguson is planning to rest Roy Keane, bring back Paul Scholes and call up Roy Carroll for the Champions League clash with Stuttgart.
Both United and the Bundesliga leaders are already through to February's knock-out round.
But because many issues are still to be settled in other groups, Ferguson said: "I don't know how to approach this game to be honest."
Only Real Madrid and holders AC Milan are confirmed group winners and United will avoid them if they beat Stuttgart.
With each top team paired with a runner-up when the draw is made in Nyon next Friday, the United boss is pondering the permutations.
"You don't know who the other winners or the runners up are going to be," he added.
"You could have Besiktas, Porto, Ajax, Celtic, whose away form is terrible, they haven't won a game away from home and they are in Lyon.
"Bayern Munich should beat Anderlecht and could finish second in that group, but it's tight."
It is because things are clouded Ferguson has not finalised his plans and he said: "I will probably give Roy Carroll a game. At the end of the day we have got to beat them to win the group. They are not the kind of team that is going to bust their lungs trying to beat you, I think it is more a case of you having to beat them. "
The Northern Ireland keeper has not played a top level game since the end of last season and Fergie says he has missed the chance of taking over from Tim Howard in January.
United looked set to lose their American keeper for as many as four games because of the USA's World Cup qualifiers but the situation has changed.
"They have moved their games to June which is good news for us."
One problem solved, but another looms with Paul Scholes also likely to be available.
"I have got to assess how I use Paul and maybe bring him back and save Roy Keane for the derby game against City.
"I could put Keano on the bench. I thought I might just play him in the reserves at Bristol City if I wanted to give him a full game, but if I put him on the bench and maybe only give him 20 minutes it is maybe not enough."
Scholes and Carroll could face Stuttgart
http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,731874,00.html