Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature for the first time this season when Manchester United play Villarreal tonight.
Initially ruled out until October following an ankle operation, the Portuguese winger has recovered ahead of schedule and is set to be named as a substitute for United's opening Champions League group game at Old Trafford.
"He will certainly be involved but it is more likely he will start on the bench," Sir Alex Ferguson said.
Despite the manager's prediction, William Hill is offering 9/4 on Ronaldo playing the full 90 minutes against Villarreal. He is also 13/8 to score against the Spanish side, although bets are void if he does not start the game.
Ladbrokes makes Ronaldo 9/1 joint-favourite to finish as top scorer in the Champions League this season, alongside Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, who netted twice against PSV Eindhoven last night.
Dimitar Berbatov is a major doubt for United this evening due to a knock picked up against Liverpool at the weekend, while Michael Carrick has been ruled out for several weeks after breaking a bone in his foot at Anfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature for the first time this season when Manchester United play Villarreal tonight.