Chelsea host Manchester United tomorrow as all the attention will be on the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge as the Portuguese returns to his former club where he was unceremoniously sacked last season. The supporters are expected to give Mourinho a rousing reception but it will soon be all forgotten as soon as the play starts with both the sides trying to prove that they can challenge for the title this season.
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The Blues are unbeaten in their last seven games against Manchester United in all competitions with United’s last win coming in October 2012. The Red Devils have the worst head to head record against Chelsea (16 games) as Mourinho's men have lost more Premier League games against Chelsea than any other team.
United have not received any new injury concerns whereas Chelsea are hopeful over Willian's match fitness as the Brazilian missed the match against Leicester due to his mother's sudden demise. Let's have a look at the combined eleven from two of the biggest sides in England ahead of a mouthwatering clash on Monday :
Goalkeeper : David De Gea
The Spaniard proved against Liverpool as to why he is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was the reason that United came out undefeated from Anfield and will be hoping for yet another inspiring performance from him. Courtois has done decently this season but is no competition to De Gea as the Spaniard has saved twice as many shots as the Belgian (21 to 10) and also has conceded fewer goals than Courtois.
Right back : Antonio Valencia
United were criticised for not buying a right back this summer but Valencia has proved his detractors wrong with consistent performances this season. His last ditch tackle on Roberto Firmino may be this campaign's best tackle. An easy choice to select Valencia as Branislav Ivanovic has struggled to come to terms with Conte's requirements with Valencia being the player with the most tackles this season (23).
Centre back : Eric Bailly
The 22-year-old has settled in quickly and has looked comfortable against tough opponents as he handled Daniel Sturridge effectively in their last game. Bailly has 29 interceptions to his name coupled with an 88.8% passing accuracy in the league. The Ivorian has been better than the likes of Gary Cahill and David Luiz and must be at his best to stop Diego Costa.
Centre back : Daley Blind
Blind was said to be on the list to be offloaded by United this summer but with a string of influential performances, the Dutchman has proved his worth to Mourinho. His set piece delivery was brilliant against Leicester as he produced two assists against the defending champions. He was decent against the Reds on Monday and is expected to start in a centre back role tomorrow with Chris Smalling being doubtful for the match against Chelsea.
Left back : Cesar Azpilicueta
The Blues fullback has been one of Chelsea's best player since the disastrous last season and is considered to be a Conte favourite . His work rate has always been exemplary but the Spaniard has also improved his attacking output to the team. He is just behind Kante in the highest number of passes attempted for Chelsea and will be hoping to keep the youngster Marcus Rashford in his pocket tomorrow.
Centre defensive midfielder : N'Golo Kante
Chelsea's new signing took few matches to get used to the life in London but now is showing how decisive his contribution was for Leicester last season by producing splendid performances consistently. Though he has not opened his account for the Blues, Kante has a passing accuracy of 90 percent and will be up against Paul Pogba tomorrow with the compatriots going face to face for the first time.
Centre midfield : Ander Herrera
The Spaniard has proved his worth under Jose Mourinho as a man of the match display against Liverpool will help him in the long run. The 27-year-old has played regularly under the new manager and Mourinho’s decision has been proved right by Herrera as he made 11 interceptions on Monday which was a season best feat along with seven tackles and five dribbles. He was one of the best players of the past game week surpassed only by Everton's Martin Stekelenburg.
Centre midfield : Paul Pogba
Though the world's most expensive player has been criticised a lot, he has been United's best midfielder as he leads the way with the number of passes and dribbles per game. A brace in the Europa League on Thursday would help his confidence with Pogba looking to inflict some damage on his former manager.
Right wing: Willian
Chelsea dedicated the victory over Leicester to Willian's mother as the Brazilian will take the field on Sunday after getting a compassionate leave last week. He was one of the few shining lights for the Blues since last season and has continued his good run this campaign with two goals to his name. He has also created the most number of chances per game in this campaign and will be up for the task against a mean United defence.
Left wing: Eden Hazard
There are not many players that look like they are gliding with the ball at their feet with the Belgian's play a sight to behold when he is on song. He has scored three goals this season along with most dribbles (4.4) per game. Hazard vs Valencia is a key battle to look forward to with the Belgian also looking to inflict damage on his former boss Mourinho.
Striker: Diego Costa
There is never a dull moment in a match which involves the mercurial Costa as fireworks are expected to be on display at Stamford Bridge. He is the league's top scorer with seven goals and two assists and is an obvious choice over Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is experiencing a slump in his form and has three goals fewer than the Spaniard.
