Big Game Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester United

Two of England’s most successful sides this century face off as they fight for top 4. Manchester United go into the fixture as the best of the rest, sitting in 2nd place. Chelsea, the 2nd highest London side this so far this season, 2 points behind West Ham, this season’s surprise package.

Both sides have injury issues going into the match. Manchester United appear to be missing McTominay, James, Mata, Pogba and Edison Cavani. Chelsea are missing just one starter who has been key to Chelsea keeping the 2nd best defensive record in the league, Thiago Silva.

United’s injuries have make a predicted line up a bit easier with the main contention being does Bailly or Lindelof start? I’ve opted for Bailly as his presence does bring some stability to the back line which will be needed in such a big game. Especially if Giroud plays at all. Giroud comes into the game after giving his side a key away goal against Athletico Madrid as they went 1-0 up against La Liga’s top side this season.

Despite this fact I don’t think Tuchel will start Giroud against The Red Devils this weekend. I think he’s going to want a front 3 who are going to run at United’s back line, cause some issues and try and knock their confidence after 2 straight clean sheets in the Europa League. The tricky part predicting how Chelsea will set up is in their formation. They need to cover the Manchester side’s attacking play from Rashford and Shaw down the one side and be able to counter with pace so Fred and Matic can’t get set up to protect their back line. A 4-2-3-1 would be a good option, allowing Azpilicueta to stay back covering a quick attack down United’s strong side and not over expose them on the other side where Mason Greenwood has been very effective. What that misses which the 5-2-3 doesn’t, is the attacking threat of Alonso. If we bear in mind Chelsea have a midweek game against Liverpool coming up, keeping Chilwell fresh to cover the leagues top scorer, Salah, is possible in this formation as a 4 at the back doesn’t suit the Spanish attacking wing back at all.

Another big decision for Tuchel is whether to play Kovacic or Kante. I don’t feel Jorginho will be dropped as he starts the play for Blues. I don’t think the German will stick with his preferred option in midfield and opt to play Kante for this game to help counter the attacking threat that is Bruno Fernandes. Top for goals and assists in the Premier League for United. If he is allowed to play Chelsea may be facing their first loss under their new manager. That is also why I have predicted Zouma will start of Christiansen, as although the Frenchman isn’t as good on the ball, he has looked like the most defensively sound member of Chelsea’s backline after the injured Silva.

Chelsea’s big advantage I feel comes from a better balance attacking down either flank, and their stronger defensive side lines up against United’s stronger attack. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the battles over there. What we may see United do is allow Fred to push slightly further up the pitch to try an occupy Kante, meaning Mount will then also have to drop further back to help stop Chelsea being outnumbered in the middle of the park.

Hudson-Odoi will be another man to watch after last week at Southampton he has subbed off after being subbed on himself. He will have the advantage of not being up against one of the leagues best 1 on 1 defenders in Wan-Bissaka, but may still find it difficult if Matic comes wide to help Shaw double up on him as Rashford will likely be busy stopping James from overlapping or whipping a dangerous ball in from deep.

As impressive as Chelsea have been, and how the side looks a bit more solid. I do still feel United will come up with a clutch goal. They currently have the best attacking record in the league, 3 goals more than local rivals and strong title favourites Manchester City who are looking for their 20th straight win in all competitions. I don’t think Chelsea can keep a clean sheet and I don’t know if they’ll get a goal before Giroud comes on at half time or mid-way through the second half. I’m expecting a 1-2 score line to United. A 1-1 or 2-2 draw I think is also likely but I’m there’s something telling me United are going to edge it by a goal.

Prediction: Chelsea 1 - 2 Manchester United