The international break has been and gone meaning Premier League football is back, but for United a trip Chelsea is not the nicest return to action- especially in these circumstances.
While host manager Maurizio Sarri is beloved already at his new Stamford Bridge home, José Mourinho returns to visit his old stomping ground for what could be the final time.
It is real a battle of footballing “fire and ice” in the early match this Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off: 12:30
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Mike Dean
The Pensioners
Form: WWDWDW
Position: 1st
Top scorer: Eden Hazard [7]
Most assists: Olivier Giroud [4]
One to watch: Jorginho
Injuries/suspensions
- Ethan Ampadu – knee (unknown)
- Charly Musonda – shin (three months)
- Marco van Ginkel – Cruciate ligament injury (five months)
Team breakdown
‘Sarriball’ (a high octane style) has revitalised Chelsea this season and galvanised the squad earlier than even Sarri himself expected, leading them (so far) to top of the table.
Operating in a 4-3-3 (turning into the old-school W-W shape when in attack) Chelsea move the opposition out of shape with quick passing and fluid movement in the final third.
That style of play has proved dividends with usual left winger Hazard drifting into a free role and picking up 7 goals and 3 assists in just 8 outings.
Besides their star man, their midfield trio has been superb thus far; consisting of Jorginho (a modern regista, keeping this ticking over), N’Golo Kanté (given more responsibility on the ball under Sarri) and either Ross Barkley or Matteo Kovačić (two rejuvenated midfielders) playing slightly more advanced.
It is also crucial that while Cesar Azpilicueta is steady at right back, the marauding Marcos Alonso bounds up the left flank and can deliver crosses into the penalty area of Oliver Giroud – who may not have scored this season but has chipped in with 4 assists.
Finally, centre backs David Luis and Antonio Rüdiger are comfortable on the ball and are given license to try speculative runs or passes due to the impressive Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival between the sticks offering a calming presence.
From the bench, the likes of Pedro or Willian (depending on who starts) and Álvaro Morata can offer different skill sets if United are holding firm.
Head-to-head: WLWLW
Next match: BATE Borisov [A] 25/10/18
The Red Devils
Talking points
Luke Shaw was rewarded with a new five-year contract extension on Thursday due to his outstanding displays this season and renaissance following a dark period under Mourinho in recent years.
The injury list is piling up with some key absentees set to miss out on this one.
Speculation is still persisting of Mourinho possibly losing his job soon and this match begins a nightmare run of six tricky fixtures.
Injuries/suspensions (expected return)
- Diogo Dalot – knock (unknown)
- Jesse Lingard – groin (gym work)
- Nemanja Matić – back (doubtful)
- Scott McTominay – knee (day to day)
- Marcos Rojo – knee (back in training)
Team news
Ashley Young is expected to play at right back again with Antonio Valencia suspiciously out of favour.
Rumours of Phil Jones not travelling with the squad on Friday evening surfaced so Victor Lindelöf looks set to start alongside Chris Smalling with Eric Bailly reportedly done and dusted with Mourinho.
Maroune Fellaini will almost definitely anchor the side behind Paul Pogba in midfield with either Ander Herrera, Andreas Pereira and Fred too – Herrera famously man-marked Hazard at Old Trafford and could have a similar role this time out.
Romelu Lukaku netted twice in his one appearance on international duty with Belgium however a trio of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Alexis Sánchez may start up front.
Next match: Juventus [H] (23/10/18)
Possible key battles
– Hazard vs Valencia
– Kanté vs Pogba
– Alonso vs Rashford
Match facts
- Chelsea have lost just once in their last 16 editions of this match (W10 D5 L1)
- United have not won in their recent visits to Stamford Bridge since 2012 – losing all but one of their last six visits
- The Pensioners are looking to remain unbeaten in their first nine Premier League games for the third time – only achieving that feat twice (in title-winning seasons 2005/06 and 2014/15)
- The Red Devils have not scored away in this fixture in four games under Mourinho
- The ‘home’ side is unbeaten in the past 12 of these fixtures and has won the last six
- Games between Chelsea and United have produced 232 yellow yards, 17 more than any other fixture in top-flight history
UK television channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
Enjoy the match!
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