Manchester United didn’t have the best of preseasons, but they have done what they do best-hit the ground running. Be it the comfortable win against Wigan in the Community Shield, or the opening day mauling of Swansea, United look a much better team, scoring the goals which seemed to be missing during preseason. Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck have both opened their accounts for this season, and will be prove to be a constant thorn in Chelsea’s side.
Chelsea on the other hand had a very competitive preseason in the US, and have continued their form since. They have already won both their games this season, may be not as flamboyant an attacking unit as last season, but a more pragmatic team under new manager Jose Mourinho. With Mourinho at the helm, Chelsea have the experience to guide them through tough fixtures like this.
What to expect from the Match
A Tight Affair!!!
Both Chelsea and United are coming off wins and will be confident of a result against their rivals. It is going to be a close game, and expect either team to win or lose by a solitary goal. There will be world-class players strutting their stuff on the pitch and a moment of individual difference may prove to be the difference.
Chelsea have the stronger defense of the two, and United may find it more difficult to score against than they did against Wigan and Swansea. Chelsea on the other hand will face a very different threat to the powerful Christian Benteke who troubled them during their midweek fixture against Aston Villa. United always have a tendency to bring out their best against the toughest opposition and expect no different, even though there is a new manager in David Moyes at the helm.
Overall, it should be a gripping contest.
Players to watch out for
Danny Wlbeck(Manchester United):His strike-partner, van Persie may be getting most of the plaudits for scoring goals, but the lanky Englishman’s performances have been outstanding for the Red Devils. Last season, he used to play brilliantly, but could not find the net often enough to wrap up his good work. This season seems to be different, and the striker seems to have improved his finishing. He will be a handful for any defense in the Premier League and expect him to trouble the Chelsea defense with his pace and intelligent runs.
RomeluLukaku(Chelsea):The Belgian is the complete package, and has been restricted to two appearances from the bench following a great preseason. Expect Mourinho to unleash the beast from the start to hassle the United defense. His goal scoring instinct should ensure that the United defenders remain on their toes, proving that extra bit of freedom to the likes of Oscar, Mata and Hazard.
Predicted Starting line ups
Manchester United: Expect United to field an unchanged side, considering that there are no injuries or suspensions. Ashley Young, Nani, Javier Hernandez, Rafael and Darren Fletcher still haven’t recovered from their injuries, and will miss the game. However, Moyes may decide to start Shinji Kagawa instead of Cleverley.
Chelsea:Chelsea could go with the team that started against Aston Villa, with a couple of changes- Lukaku replacing Ba upfront and Mourinho may also rest Oscar and play De Bruyne. Otherwise, Chelsea look a settled team. Defender David Luiz is still a doubt, and has not fully recovered from his hamstring injury, but may be on the bench.
Predictions
Chelsea have the advantage over United, thanks largely due to the excellent squad that they possess. A comparatively stronger defense and a variety of attacking options should see them edge United provided they are able to control van Persie.
Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea
(van Persie) (Hazard, Lukaku)