Preview – Manchester United Vs Chelsea
In what is regarded to as a big fixture in England, the significance of the match between Manchester United and Chelsea is still very much high even though Manchester United are not where they used to be. With ten points between both teams, Chelsea will be visiting Old Trafford thinking of extending its lead over United to thirteen points while the Home team, Manchester United will fancy their chances in reducing the point’s deficit to seven. Both teams need the points either to consolidate on their present position or move up the table. Louis van Gaal’s men will also want to continue their run of good form in Old Trafford against table toppers, Chelsea which leaves the fixture as an important English Premier League matches.
Chelsea are currently leading the English Premier League with 22 points in the first eight games with only an away draw at the Etihad denying them of the maximum 24 points. It’s a well-balanced and quality Chelsea side and Mourinho will fancy his chances today as virtually everyone has placed their money on a Chelsea win. A win in Old Trafford will be a perfect result for Chelsea’s bright start to the 2014/2015 season and the Blues won’t mind it at all after securing a 2-1 away win last weekend at Crystal Palace. Chelsea are unbeaten in the last six matches against Manchester United and have kept two consecutive clean sheets in Old Trafford which will give them so much confidence coming into Sunday’s fixture. Chelsea’s manager ruled out the involvement of Loic Remy but Diego Costa is fit for the clash which gives so much confidence to the Blues against a suspicious United defence. Azpilicueta is suspended while Ramires and Mikel are also doubts for the trip.
Manchester United has struggled to get going this season. They have particularly struggled to get good away results in the League. Their last fixture at the Hawthorns produced four goals which was a 2-2 draw and Louis van Gaal will want to build on that performance. While the defence is still a major problem, Manchester United is likely to miss the services of Michael Carrick who recently returned from a long lay-off. Radamel Falcao is also a doubt after receiving a heavy knock on Friday. Captain, Wayne Rooney is serving the last match suspension as Angel Di Maria will be hoping to get 100% fitness for the fixture. It’s really a big selection headache for van Gaal as he plays arguably the best English Premier League team at the moment. The game changing hero at the Hawthorns, Maroune Fellaini will hope to continue his impressive performance and get to help his team get the result needed especially with Robin van Persie struggling to perform at the top level and Falcao a major doubt.
The match has already been given to Chelsea by many based on their current run of form which saw them dismantle Maribor 6-0 in the UEFA champions League. However, it’s still remains a big fixture and Manchester United have a chance of getting the desired result. Phil Dowd will be in charge of the match with Gary Beswick and Darren Cann assisting him and Chris Foy as the fourth official.