When Chelsea take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge tomorrow lunchtime, both sides will be hoping for a treat rather than a trick, with both Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick feeling a bit cold after a poor run of form for both of their sides.
For Alonso and Chelsea, after Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool it is now just two wins in their last six matches in all competitions, where as for Michael Carrick, Manchester United have had a torrid time so far winning just one Premier League match all season, and without a win in all competitons in their last eight.
So this weekend could be an opportunity for both sides to give their fans something to cheer about, in what could be Michael Carrick's final game in charge of the Red Devils.
Many thought that the ex-United player would be given his marching orders after their humiliation against Bournemouth at Old Trafford last Sunday, but since then Carrick has been "granted a stay of execution", but anything other than a win against Xabi Alonso's side would surely spell the end of Carrick.
On and off-field issues have been a problem for Carrick, with defender Lisandro Martinez calling out the current state of the club and lack of squad reinforcement, and directly calling for more investment and backing from technical director Jason Wilcox after their Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid in September.
Carrick's position came under more scrutiny as captain Bruno Fernandes criticised the tactics deployed by his manager in the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como, with former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville saying that "sometimes a manager needs sacking for their own good."
"I think staying with him is a result of the lack of planning, the lack of probably available options, the lack of decision-making around the two people that probably are available. That's when you're really struggling."
Manager Xabi Alonso confirmed in his press conference earlier today that Maxence Lacroix will miss Manchester United's trip to West London. However, there was better news regarding Moises Caicedo, who is fit to feature after the injury that forced him off against Liverpool proved not to be serious.
Although Michael Carrick's side have not been at their best this season, they still pose a threat going forward. The likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes all have the quality to hurt Chelsea if they are not careful.
So, which team will win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow?
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