Premier League preview: Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford
By Pete Hall - @PeteHall86. Last Updated: 26/10/14 59:59pm
Manchester United will be looking to prove their own title credentials when they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford for the Super Sunday live clash.
New United boss Louis van Gaal has this week confidently proclaimed that the 20-time top-flight champions are ready to mount another title challenge, despite making a far from impressive start to life under the Dutch supremo.
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Man Utd v Chelsea
- October 26, 2014 3:30pm
A battling 2-2 draw at West Brom on Monday night was not enough to move Van Gaal’s men back into the top four, and United sit 10 points behind Chelsea after just eight games.
A seemingly favourable start to the season was supposed to give Van Gaal the platform to get off to a positive start, but just three wins from eight - form not helped by a number of high-profile defences errors - has seen the woes experienced under David Moyes' reign continue.
Injuries, especially at the back, have certainly hindered United’s progress, but with key figures returning to fitness, Van Gaal will be well-equipped to go toe-to-toe with a talented Chelsea outfit.
The Blues have been in imperious form so far this season, and sit top of the pile - a spot they do not look like relinquishing, even at this juncture of the campaign.
The signings of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have added further quality to a squad already blessed with myriad abilities, and both have hit the ground running since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors are favourites to earn victory in Manchester, and history suggests that is the most likely result. United have won only six of their last 22 Premier League games against Chelsea.
Opta facts
- Chelsea are the only Premier League opponents that Man Utd have lost more games (15) against than won (13) against.
- John Terry should make his 430th Premier League appearance in this game; he will overtake Frank Lampard as the player with the most appearances for Chelsea in the competition.
- United have had a man sent off in two of their last three Premier League encounters with Chelsea.
- Angel Di Maria has assisted a goal in four of his last five Premier League games for Manchester United.
Chelsea have also kept clean sheets in their last two Premier League games at Old Trafford. They have not kept more than three clean sheets in a row there since a spell of five between 1968 and 1972.
Team news
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal must decide whether to recall Radamel Falcao to the starting line-up.
The Colombia hitman was on the bench against West Brom, but may be recalled as Robin van Persie continues to struggle for form.
Louis van Gaal: Looking to inflict Chelsea's first defeat of the season
Angel di Maria should be fit after shaking off a minor thigh injury sustained last time out but Wayne Rooney is still suspended while Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair are doubtful.
Striker Costa could return from a hamstring injury and illness for Chelsea.
Fellow forward Loic Remy (groin) is out, while midfielders John Obi Mikel (foot) and Ramires (groin) could return alongside Andre Schurrle, who has recovered from illness.
Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta is banned for the first of three games following his dismissal at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Paul Merson's prediction
So much depends on whether or not Diego Costa will be fit for this game. If both him and Loic Remy are out then Manchester United have a chance. Didier Drogba is not the same player and isn’t going to run away from anybody and if he plays then United can squeeze the game and suffocate Chelsea a little bit.
A lot of people will expect Chelsea to turn up and win and they can’t afford to get complacent because this will be a hard game. I will still just go for Chelsea, but only for a narrow win.
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