Chelsea look to host Manchester United this Sunday, in what seems to be the most anticipated game of the weekend. After last years humiliation, Mourinho will look to go back to Stamford Bridge with a vengeance.
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Match Preview
Form
Chelsea have got off to a mediocre start this season, their presence in Europe as well as domestic competitions is proving taxing on the current squad. Last Wednesday, Chelsea suffered a 3-0 loss to Roma. Chelsea had some inexcusable defensive lapses, allowing Roma to secure victory. The Blues also suffered a shock loss to Crystal Palace two weeks ago, however they managed to bounce back the following week, beating Watford by two goals.
Man United started the season in flying form, however faced their first hurdle when they drew with Liverpool and suffered a loss to Huddersfield Town. Mourinho’s side managed to regain their good form by clinching a victory against a very impressive Spurs side and were able to extend their good run of form into Europe as they defeated Benfica 2-0 at home in a Champions League tie.
Team News
French midfielder, N’Golo Kante has been sidelined for six games, however he will be looking to return this Sunday. In terms of defensive absentees, the only notable omission is right wing-back Victor Moses. The Ivorian picked up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United are also missing a handful of key players. It is believed that none of their long term injuries will be fit for Sunday and Jesse Lingard is a doubt.
Projected Lineups
Manchester United: David De Gea, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic, Ashley Young, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea: Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Alonso, Pedro, Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata.
Talking Points
Which Manchester United turns up?
It has been noticed, that come big games away from home, Jose Mourinho takes no chances and orders his players to put in a very defensive performance. This is likely to be the case on Sunday as Mourinho was humiliated last season when making his return to the bridge. Mourinho will not be wanting to take any chances with Blues, and thus will look to park the bus and exploit the counter attack. Although, this may anger fans as he is not playing using the old “Manchester United philosophy” of free flowing attacking football, Mourinho will not be looking to leave Stamford Bridge empty handed.
Kante in, Pogba out
It is evident that both teams have been missing their main central midfielder and the return of Kante, may prove to be the difference this Saturday. There have been no reports stating that Pogba will be looking to return and thus, it will be left to Ander Herrera to try and control the midfield.
Prediction
ExtraTime Talk writers predict the result shall remain goalless. It seems clear that Manchester United will do all they can to prevent Chelsea from scoring leaving the result 0-0, earning themselves a point away from home.
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