EPL Preview: Chelsea Vs Manchester United

THE BLUES CURRENTLY SHARE THE TOP SPOT IN THE LEAGUE STANDINGS WITH MANCHESTER CITY AND LIVERPOOL AHEAD OF THEIR CLASH AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED WHO ARE 8TH IN THE TABLE WITH THREE DEFEATS.

A difficult campaign under Antonio Conte and unfruitful summer transfer window are too small to see in the rearview mirror for Chelsea as they have done exceptionally well under Maurizio Sarri. That is not exactly the case for Jose Mourinho at United though, as the Portuguese’s any game could be his last.

Before two teams with different starts to the season go head to head in the Premier League, here is everything you need to know:

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME:

The Blues will host Manchester United in an early kick-off on Saturday, 20^th October at 5:00 PM IST. Indian fans can watch the game on Star Sports and Hotstar.

PREVIEW:

Chelsea has not lost a game after their FA Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. The Blues have won 6 out of 8 games in the Premier League as they share the top spot with City and Liverpool on 20 points each. Just before the international break, Sarri’s men won 3-0 against Southampton with in-form Eden Hazard at the center of the things.

Manchester United’s season has been completely different to that of Chelsea so far as the Red Devils have already lost three league games. Various off-field issues have made things more complicated for the club. Mourinho’s men won 3-2 against Newcastle just before the international break but it could have so nearly been another defeat after The Magpies were 2-0 ahead inside the first 10 minutes.

TEAM NEWS:

Antonio Rudiger suffered an injury against Southampton and despite two weeks off, the German is not declared fit to start Saturday’s game. Gary Cahill will replace Rudiger if the German fails to recover in time. It will be a big blow for the Blues as Sarri has preferred Rudiger and David Luiz in the heart of the defense so far. Ethan Amapdun was injured during Wales’ friendly against Spain, but the teenager was unlikely to feature against United anyway.

Jose Mourinho will be without quite a few players during his visit to London. Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard, along with long-term absentee, Marco Rojo will miss the Chelsea clash due to injuries. But along with them, Nemanja Matic, Luke Shaw, and Scott McTominay are also in danger of missing out on a trip to the Stamford Bridge.

EXPECTED LINE-UPS AND FORMATION:

CHELSEA:

Maurizio Sarri has revolutionized Chelsea with his ‘Sarri-ball’ and expect it to continue on Saturday. Jorginho is the main man behind the new playing style as the Italian controls the tempo of the game in the midfield. He will be supported by Kante and Barkley, who is likely to start ahead of Kovacic on the back of his recent form. In front, Eden Hazard is in lethal form with 7 goals in the league so far. He is likely to be supported by Willian on the other wing and Morata in the middle. In defense, Rudiger’s fitness will decide David Luiz’s partner for the afternoon. (4-3-3)

Kepa (GK); Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Rudiger/Cahill, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Barkley; Willian, Morata, Hazard

MANCHESTER UNITED:

With every passing game, predicting Jose Mourinho’s team has become more and more difficult task. The Portuguese is still unsure about his best XI and so are we. Smalling and Lindelof are likely to start as center-backs as Mourinho showed no trust in Eric Bailly against Newcastle. Valencia will start the game as LB if Luke Shaw fails to recover in time.

In the midfield, Fred, Fellaini, and Pobga is the best trident for United given their injury concerns. Lukaku will lead the attack and will have a point to prove to his critics. With Mata, Sanchez and Martial all scoring against Newcastle and Rashford’s recent form for the Three Lions, it will be difficult to pick two players to support the Belgian. (4-3-3)

De Gea (GK); Young, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw/Valencia; Fred, Fellaini, Pogba; Mata, Lukaku, Sanchez

PREDICTIONS:

Given the current form of both the teams, Chelsea are favorite to win the game. Add their home turf and Mourinho’s off-field issues to that things look bleaker for the Red Devils. And add Eden Hazard’s red-hot form, United have no chance of winning this game. Three points for the Blues!

Columnist: Chinmay Pagar