5 reasons why Manchester United will destroy Chelsea

#3: Chelsea's midfield woes

Nemanja Matic is being sorely missed at the Stamford Bridge

We need to talk about this now. A large share of Chelsea's underperforming pursuance is down to their problems in the heart of midfield.

With N'Golo Kante injured and doubtful, Conte is already biting his nails and urging the Frenchman to return for the clash against United. Despite his return to training after suffering thigh problems, the 26-year-old was excluded from the squad that faced Roma.

Antonio Conte has two good defensive midfielders in Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko. However, he knows Kante will be the most influential midfielder in Chelsea's attempt to thwart United.

Chelsea's out of the blue sale of Nemanja Matic left the football world flabbergasted. Manchester United have transformed into a team worth being feared with Matic's timely arrival. While the Blues have lost their balance and depth in the midfield, they have been heavily trolled for shipping off the Serbian, let alone to their direct rivals.

Matic already boasts the highest number of ball recoveries in the PL this season, with 90 to his credit. There's no tinge of doubt the midfielder will be an intimidating presence against his former club on Sunday.