In what could be considered Chelsea FC’s biggest test so far in 2015, they will be entertaining 3rd placed Manchester United at the Bridge in a crunch clash that could go a long way in deciding if Chelsea FC will be able to comfortably secure the EPL title for the first time since 2010. Manchester United come into Saturday’s game on the back of a morale-boosting 4-2 victory against their perennial arch-rivals Manchester City, the first against their “noisy neighbours” in their last 5 EPL meetings.
The reverse fixture at Old Trafford on 26th October 2014 was a controversial match (a recurring theme in games involving both sides) which ended in a 1-1 draw and saw Robin Van Persie equalize Didier Drogba’s second half header with virtually the last kick of the game seconds after Branislav Ivanovic was sent off for 2 controversial bookings, the second of which involved a dive by Di Maria. Meanwhile, Chris Smalling and Marco Rojo escaped what should have been yellow cards and penalties for carrying out wrestling manoeuvres on Terry and Ivanovic respectively inside their 18-yard box!
Key Facts
- Chelsea are the only side that have managed a better record against Man Utd in the EPL era (since 1993). Chelsea have won 15 games to Man Utd’s 13 wins, with 17 draws. At the Bridge, Chelsea have won 9 to Man Utd’s 5.
- Chelsea are currently on a 7-match unbeaten run against Man Utd home and away in all competitions. In the EPL alone, it is 4 games.
- Jose Mourinho is yet to lose an EPL game against Man Utd in both spells at the club. In fact, he is yet to lose a game against Man Utd in all competitions as Chelsea boss, a run of 13 games and counting.
- The Blues are yet to lose at the Bridge so far this season in the EPL and have only lost one game all season in all competitions, the 4-2 defeat to Bradford in the F.A. Cup. They also have the best home defensive record, conceding just 7 EPL goals.
- Francesc Fabregas comfortably tops the EPL assist chart with 16 assists. He has also completed the highest number of passes so far this season, currently 1,947. Eden Hazard has completed the most dribbles (148) and suffered the most fouls (94) as well.
- Man Utd, along with Arsenal, are currently the most in form side in the league, winning all of their last 6 matches (Chelsea have won 4 and drawn 2). Over that period, they have scored the most number of goals (15) and have conceded the second fewest (4).
- They have won 3 and lost 1 of their last 6 away games, while Chelsea have won 3 and drawn 3 at home over the same number of games.
- They have the best record in matches against teams currently in the top 5, amassing 13 points from 6 games. Chelsea are second with 9 points from 5 games.
Expected Line-ups
Chelsea’s Possible Starting 11
Mourinho is not known for doing much rotation, so most of the players that featured in last weekend’s game against Queen’s Park Rangers will most likely play on Saturday. Remy is expected to be fit in time for this fixture after suffering an ankle injury just a day before Chelsea’s last game and will most likely feature after Drogba’s poor performance against QPR. Oscar is also expected to start after coming in to play a major part in the win against QPR. Ramires is the man expected to give way due to his anonymous showing in that game.
Man Utd’s Possible Starting 11
Van Gaal confirmed in his pre-match press conference of Friday that Michael Carrick has not fully recovered from the injury he sustained in the derby victory over Man City and so he, along with Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marco Rojo, will be unavailable for Saturday’s game against Chelsea FC. As a result, Luke Shaw is likely play at left-back, with youngster McNair pairing up with Smalling in central defence. Fellaini would probably drop back to defensive midfield to cover for Carrick’s absence, with Di Maria taking his place in central midfield.
Key Players
Eden Hazard has been in inspired form since the turn of the year and has been involved in all of Chelsea’s goals in their last 3 EPL games. While the rest of the team have floundered since the turn of the year, he has maintained his impressive standard, earning him a nomination for the EPL player of the season. Since Mourinho is expected to take a cautious approach in this fixture, the Belgian’s pace and dribbling skills should come in handy to help break down Man Utd.
While Rooney, Mata, Herrera and Fellaini have been key players in Man Utd’s resurgence, David De Gea has been Man Utd’s hero of the season as his multitute of saves have been the major reason that Man Utd have still remained in contention despite their early season struggles. And for this he has been named Man Utd’s sole nominee for the EPL player of the year award and the only goal keeper in that list. Expect him to make a massive impact in this fixture.
Expectations
Chelsea are currently on a 15 match unbeaten run in all tournaments and have only lost 2 EPL games this season, none at home. But they face a resurgent Man Utd side who are currently in high spirits after last weekend’s victory against City and who are on a 8-match winning streak. A draw would be a considered as a good result by Chelsea, so expect it to be a tight affair with Man Utd dominating both possession and territory. The match will most likely end in another 1-1 draw.