Manchester United’s Premier League resurgence will be put to the biggest test so far as Louis van Gaal’s team make the journey to the home of first placed Chelsea this Sunday.
With the campaign reaching boiling point fixtures like these become even more of a spectacle, the added spice of the Blues trying to seal the title and Manchester’s climb back into the top four.
Jose Mourinho’s men had to settle for a far from pretty 1-0 away win against QPR last weekend, although the seven point gap that has now opened at the top of the table could be enough to put the race beyond doubt. A fifth goal of the season for Cesc Fabregas in the dying minutes at Loftus Road meant Chelsea left with all the rewards, however, their on-field display for the first hour of the match was lacking in focus and the technical adeptness that has become a trademark of late.
Things have also been going comfortably along the right-track for opponents Manchester United, putting together a string of six straight domestic wins since February to now sit comfortably in third spot. This included the memorable 4-2 triumph over cross-town enemies City, in a performance that may have signified that the Red Devils are back in power once more.
Key Battle – Eden Hazard vs Marouane Fellaini
With the team desperately struggling to find opportunities to score, last weekend’s match against QPR illustrated once more Eden Hazard’s ability to create a match-winning moment from thin air, capitalising on a very-wayward clearance from goalkeeper Rob Green and dribbling his way into the box before playing a pass across the face of goal for the waiting boot of Fabregas. The Belgian plays his best football on home soil, and will likely find space between the lines as van Gaal’s men attempt to apply pressure.
There have been a few Manchester United names that have been integral to the team’s 2015 revival, however, none have seen such improvement as Marouane Fellaini over his showings last season. An undoubted flop under David Moyes’ time at the helm, the Belgian is finally starting to utilise his height and physicality in and around the 18-yard-area, traits that originally put him under the spotlight at Everton.
Fellaini was a terror in the derby last weekend, beating shorter defenders like Gael Clichy with ease before heading home the goal that initially gave United the lead. Everyone knows how difficult it is to score against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, yet the 27-year-old may be an unpredictable foe for John Terry and Gary Cahill.
[interaction id=”553132a97fdf079b4e450bcf”]
Team News
Despite a lacklustre showing in the previous fixture, Mourinho will likely have to go with Didier Drogba up-front once more, yet the Chelsea icon should be able to find more freedom here and does love to score against the Red Devils. Lately there has been some experimentation with Fabregas playing amongst the attacking-midfield trio, however, starting Oscar might be the best move to encourage the counter and increase flow into the 18-yard area.
Chelsea expected XI: Courtois (GK), Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Fabregas, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Drogba
Van Gaal comes into this match once more with a cloud of defensive injuries hanging over his team, with Daley Blind, Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones all unavailable for the travels. This leaves United with some depleted stocks against dangerous opposition, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair are possibilities to step in. It will also be interesting to see whether or not Ashley Young can keep Angel Di Maria on the bench for another week, the youngster has had recent success but the former Real Madrid playmaker knows the big game stage.
Manchester United expected XI: De Gea, McNair, Blackett, Valencia, Rooney, Shaw, Herrera, Fellaini, Mata, Young, Falcao
Head-to-head
The teams meet for the 165th time on Sunday morning. Manchester United have suffered more defeats to Chelsea than any other team with the count standing at 15, but still claim the majority of wins at 68.
Previous Meeting
These sides faced-off in October last year at Old Trafford, the match ending 1-1 after a last moment red card for Branislav Ivanovic gave Robin van Persie a chance to cancel out Drogba’s opening goal.
Prediction
Louis van Gaal’s men are clearly a much improved team than that last meeting, and have left other top four hopefuls in the midst on their journey back up the standings. This should lead to an entertaining strategic battle, as United will need to be the aggressors, which could also play into the hands of Chelsea as players like Fabregas and Hazard probe for dangerous space amongst a defence hit hard by injuries. The Blues may have a tough time early against a Manchester outfit with confidence levels in the clouds, but should find enough of the ball to come away with a share of the spoils
Chelsea 1 Manchester United 1
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
