Inconsistent United face Chelsea juggernaut: Preview, team news and probable lineups

Used to be a time, when the clash between Manchester United and champions elect Chelsea FC would be an exciting top of the table clash with some explosive characters in play to make for a Super-Sunday. Cut to present day, Jose Mourinho’s men are struggling to put together two back-to-back wins in a row.

 

Manchester United who were naturally expected to push aside Anderlecht in the Europa League first leg game away from home, struggled to find the net like they have done this season. Carrick, Pogba and Rashford excelled in flashes and Mkhitaryan managed to tap in the opener from a rebound off Rashford’s shot in the 36th minute. But, overall United looked tired and the home team was allowed to equalize, where United should have been on the flight home with a comfortable cushion for the second leg.

 

United’s talismanic Swede has admitted that he feels fatigued and Mourinho’s criticism of the team in recent press conferences have been bang on. Paul Pogba, has asked not to be judged on being the world’s costliest footballer or the number of goals he hasn’t scored. But, all that don’t matter when the Chelsea juggernaut come rolling to the Theatre of Dreams.

 

Antonio Conte’s men in blue have won four of their last five games in all competitions-which include a 2-1 win against Manchester City and a 1-0 F.A. Cup victory against Sunday’s opponents.

 

United can call upon the services of Herrera once more, after the midfielder completed a premier league ban. Rooney with his fitness and form issues remain a doubt, the defensive pairing of Jones and Smalling are out with their respective injuries as well. Jose Mourinho may go with Fellaini from the start to counter the physical presence that Chelsea have with the likes of Matic and Kante in the center of the park.

 

Conte is likely to go with his prefered 3-4-3 formation, with Pedro and Hazard up top with Costa. Pedro was the star of their premier league triumph over United earlier in the season and the spaniard is likely start instead of Willian.

 

Manchester United have an unbeaten home record to fall back upon, but it is not an enviable one and a 10th draw would hardly alleviate fan’s frustrations, but against the likes of  Eden Hazard and powerhouse Kante, a draw wouldn’t be considered a failure.

 

Probable Line-ups:

 

Manchester United XI – De Gea (GK), Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Shaw, Fellaini, Pogba, Herrera, Rashford, Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic.

 

Chelsea XI – Courtois (GK), Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Moses, Matic, Kante, Alonso, Hazard, Pedro, Costa.