Barclays Premier League Match Preview
Just like a wind of breeze that comes through the restrictions unscathed, Manchester United have now passed all the tests with glaring flying colors that will define the future of the club. With a win against Tottenham to tee it all off, the Red devils have balanced longstanding accounts against Liverpool and Manchester City in the past 2 weeks. And while the worst they can do this season is finish in the top 4, the Red devils have already exceeded the expectations of their fans.
Ironically though, but not with the same chutzpah and arrogance that comes from beating your rivals at your terms, the journey of Chelsea throughout this campaign can be expressed in the same manner. With a Premier League title all but a name of Chelsea football club embossed in it waiting, Chelsea have all the balls in their court to be a Premier League Champion this season.
So, what makes this match all important that it is? Probably the history, the long standing rivalry that initiated from Mourinho’s 1st era, or maybe one last hurrah before going into loggerheads once again next season. No matter how you put it, there will be some flares on display when the former boss and crony in Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho will meet.
Team News
As far as visitors Manchester United are concerned, nothing – bar the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, might force them now to make a change in winning eleven. While 3 wins on a trot seems palatable, getting it against the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool takes the pleasure to insurmountable heights. Thus, even with Van Persie fully back from his injury and Falcao itching to and fro for his game time, the Dutch boss will seem content to apply the used formula once again.
However, as the saying goes that the more the merrier, the return of Luke Shaw might will allow Jose Louis Van Gaal more options should he try to form a new strategy against his former crony.
For a team that has passed the most of this season unscathed in terms of injuries, the failure of Costa to keep up with the prescribed fitness levels might pose a problem for Jose Mourinho. Even though Costa is sidelined and Chelsea will be missing 19-goals from their first team XI on Sunday, they have enough artillery in their ranks to save the Bridge against Manchester United.
With nothing but Premier League title ‘’to win’’, Jose Mourinho’s side – just like its guests, has been playing 1 game a week. So, with the fitness levels of all other players up and churning, the Chelsea squad might not show the absence of Diego Costa.
Stats:
• In their last 12 home games against Manchester United, Chelsea have lost just 1, winning 7 in the process
• With 15 defeats coming against Chelsea, Manchester united have suffered more defeats against the blues than versus any other team in the Premier League.
• No duo has combined for more goals than Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas this season (6 times)
• Chelsea’s last home defeat in the Premier League came exactly one year ago against Sunderland (April 9, 2014)
• After a flabbergasting start in his return to the Premier League, Cesc Fabregas hasn’t scored or assisted a goal in his 7 games at Stamford Bridge.
• After defeating Manchester City last week, Manchester United perched their season tally at 65-points, 1 more than the whole of last season.
Probable lineups:
Chelsea:
Courtois – Azpilicueta – Ivanovic – Terry – Cahill – Fabregas – Hazard – Oscar – Willian – Drogba
Manchester United
De Gea – Valencia – Smalling – Jones – Shaw – Blind – Herrera – Fellaini – Young – Mata – Rooney
Chelsea Vs Manchester United will take place at Stamford Bridge, on Saturday 18th April.
Chelsea Vs Manchester United: Preview, Probable lineups, Stats and Team News
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