United face Norwich with Madrid in mind

Manchester United must weigh the prospect of a 15-point Premier League lead against the importance of next week's Champions League clash with Real Madrid when they entertain Norwich City today.

United go into the weekend with a 12-point advantage in the league with second-place Manchester City not in action until their trip to Aston Villa on Monday.

However, with such a commanding points cushion beneath them, the priority is likely to be Tuesday's encounter with Madrid, which United will approach in a strong position following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Alex Ferguson's team selection for the Norwich game is likely to reflect the importance of the European tie and the United manager is expected to make several changes to his starting XI.

But with Robin van Persie sidelined by the hip injury he sustained in last weekend's 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers, Wayne Rooney looks likely to be handed a starting berth in attack.

Whether he starts on the pitch or on the bench, Ryan Giggs stands to make his 1,000th appearance in senior football.

With the title race seemingly a foregone conclusion, the keenly contested battle to secure Champions League qualification can expect to garner an increasing share of the headlines.