Chelsea vs Manchester United Preview: Tactical Managers Battle
Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League this Sunday. Chelsea welcome Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge for the first time after being sacked nearly a year ago.
United are already two points worse-off than at the same stage last season. Failure to beat Chelsea could leave them eight points behind the League leaders. Manchester United are without an away victory since August. Antonio Conte’s side are undefeated in 10 games against Manchester United. Chelsea enter this game in high spirits, after confident displays against Leicester City and Hull City. They have lost just twice in their last 15 home league games.
Key Battles
Victor Moses vs. Ashley Young
Victor Moses is flourishing as a right-wing-back this season. The Nigerian winger is finding plenty of space on the right to burst forward and take on his man.
Ashley Young will once again be asked to sit deep while United are without possession, forming part of a back six during sustained periods of Chelsea attack. These ultra-defensive tactics should limit Moses’ dribbling on Chelsea’s right.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. David Luiz
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has struggled to have a positive impact over the last few weeks. The physical strength of Zlatan threatens the inconsistent back-line of Chelsea.
Ibrahimovic will drop off the back line in attempt to influence proceedings. David Luiz is likely to step out of defense to meet him mid way.
Conte’s recent use of three centre-backs should mean that Luiz is able to leave the back line without harming the overall shape of the team. Although if Ibrahimovic is in the mood, Chelsea are unlikely to keep a clean sheet.
Chelsea: Riding High On New Formation
Antonio Conte will presumably continue with the same three-man defense 3-4-3 formation. However, the Italian will face his greatest test of the season yet, when he comes up against a world-class tactician in Jose Mourinho. Chelsea have an outstanding home record against Manchester United and the Blues have won four and drawn one of their last six at Stamford Bridge.
Conte should welcome back midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Branislav Ivanovic to the squad after the pair picked up slight knocks. However, Cesc Fàbregas seems to have no chance of playing in the new formation.
Willian could return from compassionate leave. John Terry is in consideration for a starting spot after returning from injury.
Predicted Chelsea Starting Lineup (3-4-3):
Courtois; Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Moses, Matic, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Costa, Hazard
Manchester United: Looking To Regain Stability
Manchester United picked up a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League. They managed to shut down a top quality Liverpool attack on Monday and will fancy their chances at Stamford Bridge.
United’s best attacking performances this season have come when Juan Mata is deployed at No 10. But that would mean breaking up Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini’s midfield partnership to accommodate Pogba.
Mourinho is expected to repeat the defensive tactics that saw his side grind out a draw at Anfield. Mourinho would undoubtedly love to get one over against his former club.
Jose Mourinho will be well aware of the home side’s strengths and weaknesses and the Portuguese tactician will look to take full advantage. Manchester United have struggled at Stamford Bridge in the last few seasons and will be determined to fix that record this week.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be available for selection. The Old Trafford outfit will be without Phil Jones and Morgan Schneiderlin for this game. Both players are struggling with fitness issues. Bastian Schweinsteiger continues to train with the youth team.
Predicted Manchester United Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Fellaini, Pogba; Martial, Mata, Rashford; Ibrahimovic
Chelsea and Manchester United have both been very well organised at the back and both sets of attackers will find it difficult to break each other down. Furthermore, both teams have a world-class goalkeeper in their side.
A low scoring game is definitely likely here and it will be hard to separate the two sides as well. Both managers will want to avoid a defeat. This should be a low-scoring affair as a deep-lying Man United will try to prevent Chelsea from getting into their full flow.
Picture Courtesy: SoccerLens