Premier League Preview – Manchester United v Chelsea

Probable Lineups

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): David De Gea; Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic (C), Patrice Evra; Antonio Valencia, Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Danny Welbeck; Wayne Rooney; Robin van Persie.

After a convincing performance against Swansea on the opening day of the season, Moyes may be tempted to field the same team that won in Wales, but the availability of Rooney – who laid on two goals after starting from the bench – could force his way back into the starting XI. Elsewhere, it would be the same side that started last weekend. De Gea will start in goal as per usual, shielded by the back four of Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. The partnership of Carrick and Cleverley performed well and are expected to start in the centre of midfield supported by Valencia on the right wing and Welbeck on the left. Rooney would come in for Giggs and play in the hole just behind star striker van Persie. Unfortunately Kagawa misses out once again, and will hope to make an impact from the bench.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry (C), Ashley Cole; Ramires, Frank Lampard; Oscar, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard; Fernando Torres.

Chelsea-XI

For Chelsea, David Luiz is a huge doubt for the game, whereas up front, Mourinho has a selection headache as all the three strikers failed to score in the two Premier League games against Hull City and Aston Villa. Torres is expected to get the nod ahead of Ba and Lukaku, after he was rested from the midweek win over Villa. Other than that, the Blues are expected to start with the same team that won both their opening matches. Cech will start in between the sticks with the likes of Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Cole playing ahead of him in defence. Ramires and Lampard will form the two-man midfield that would be the link between the defence and the attack, while Oscar, Mata and Hazard will play just behind the lone striker Torres. De Bruyne, summer signing Schurrle and Lukaku will have to be content with their roles on the bench.

Match Facts

2 – Jose Mourinho has lost just two of his seven competitive games as a manager at Old Trafford.3 – There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Manchester United’s last 3 games in the Premier League.3 – Manchester United have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 matches in the Premier League.6 – Chelsea have won 6 of their last 7 matches in the Premier League.6 – Javier Hernandez has scored in six of his last nine appearances against Chelsea in all competitions.8 – Manchester United have been winning at both half time and full time in 8 of their last 10 home matches in the Premier League.8 – There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Chelsea’s last 10 away games in the Premier League.9 – Chelsea have scored at least 2 goals in 9 of their last 10 matches in the Premier League.14 – Manchester United have won 14 of their last 16 home matches in the Premier League.14 – Manchester United have suffered 14 Premier League defeats against Chelsea; more than against any other side.

Referee

Name – Martin AtkinsonBased – YorkshireAge – 42Games – 1Yellow Cards – 2Red Cards – 0Penalties Awarded – 1

Prediction

A game like this is always difficult to predict, but expect an open game with goals in it judging by the attacking talent on display from both sides. The mind games have already been played and now both the managers will need to get their tactics rights if they want to stand a chance of winning the game. With United playing at Old Trafford, they are the favourites but the Mourinho-factor could swing it in favour of Chelsea. United have Van Persie, the best striker in the league and is in the form of his life, while Chelsea, on the other hand, have real creativity and flair in midfield which United lack. It will be really interesting to see how the two teams battle it out against each other. Whoever wins this one will surely be sending out a strong message to the rest of the Premier League.

Predicted Score: Manchester United 2-2 Chelsea