Chelsea will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and continue to prove their title credentials as they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a heavyweight clash against Van Gaal’s side.
Date: Sunday, 26th October Kick-off: 16:00 GMT Venue: Old Trafford TV: Sky Sports
Manchester United continued their so-so start to the season as they snatched a draw away at a brilliant West Brom on Monday night.
Chelsea, however, beat Crystal Palace away from home last Saturday before easing past Maribor in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Manchester United sit ten points behind Chelsea already, but Van Gaal is insistent that they are ready to mount another title challenge, and beating Chelsea would surely be a good place to start.
The Reds have struggled at the back this season while Chelsea have been relentless at the top of the table, dropping points only when they last traveled to Manchester to face Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
A large part of that is down to the duo of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, who look as if they’ve been in this Chelsea side for 5 years instead of 5 minutes. They’ve helped combat the biggest problems The Blues were facing last season and Chelsea’s title charge is right on track already.
The sides drew 0-0 in the corresponding fixture last campaign before Chelsea eased past United at Stamford Bridge but, with a different manager at the helm, Chelsea need to be wary of United.
Team News
Mourinho’s side appear to be favourites for this clash but they may have to do it without their first choice striker as Diego Costa’s fitness looks to be touch-and-go right up until kick off.
Chelsea do expect, however, to have Andre Schurrle, John Obi Mikel and Ramires return from various illnesses and injuries to be available for selection.
Cesar Azpilicueta begins his first game on the touchline after picking up a three game suspension at Crystal Palace last week, so one would expect that Filipe Luis will get a chance from the start.
Chelsea are also certainly missing Loic Remy after the striker injured himself while scoring Chelsea’s opening goal in that midweek win over Maribor.
Gary Cahill looks set to start after being rested midweek and Eden Hazard will be aiming to bring his dazzling Champions League performance up to Manchester and lead Chelsea to the points once again.
Manchester United will be running late fitness tests themselves as star-man Angel Di Maria faces a race to be fit after picking up a groin injury; a potential boost fore Mourinho’s men.
Sunday will be the first time that Chelsea have faced an old friend in Juan Mata. The midfielder moved to David Moyes’ team in January after two outstanding years at The Blues, but there will surely be no love lost as Chelsea continue their hunt for the title.
Pre-Match Facts
- Man United have suffered 15 Premier League defeats against Chelsea, more than against any other side
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six games against Man United in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in 3 of them (Won 4, Drawn 2)
- Man Utd’s first 11 vs. West Brom on Monday was the youngest starting line-up in the PL this season (24 years, 153 days average)
- In 163 matches v Man Utd, Chelsea have won 46 and lost 68, drawing 49
Source: Opta/ChelseaMad
Predictions
The Blues look a good bet to live up to their favourites tag and continue their unbeaten start to the season while maintaining their lead at the top, However, Mourinho will certainly be wary of the array of attacking talents that the Reds possess.
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Diego Costa
@CFCNewsApp Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
— £ (@danialhaikxl) October 25, 2014
@CFCNewsApp 1-0 Chelsea.
— Jack Lambert (@Jackk41) October 25, 2014
@CFCNewsApp 1-3.
— Dante (CFC) (@VtorDante) October 25, 2014
@CFCNewsApp 5.2 Chelsea win
— Tony Bentley (@faegee) October 25, 2014
