Shakhtar Donetsk v Man Utd

With Manchester United in a perceived crisis, Robin Van Persie may just relish the chance to be cast in the role of saviour in the Champions League on Wednesday night. At a best price of 5/1 (WilliamHill), I like the look of him for first goalscorer.

The former Arsenal favourite missed both the Red Devils’ recent league defeats with a groin injury, although he did manage the final 30 minutes against West Brom on Saturday. Now he is set to return to the starting line-up and I think it could be a case of cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Van Persie has actually scored nine goals in nine appearances between club and country in 2013-14. So there can be no suggestion that the Golden Boot winner two years running in the Premier League has lost his touch. Wayne Rooney (15/2 WilliamHill) is also in great form, but I have a nagging suspicion that he does his best work when the Dutchman is absent.

Shakhtar are notoriously decent at home, but have in fact only won two of their last eight at the Donbass Arena in this competition. They have nobody in their ranks as likely to break the deadlock as Van Persie.