Chelsea v Manchester United: Premier League Match Preview

18 April 2015 10:21

The biggest match of the weekend is at Stamford Bridge where Champions-elect Chelsea take on a rejuvenated Manchester United who have won their last six games under Louis van Gaal.

Chelsea remain everyone’s favourites to lift the title this season but will face a stern test where the prize of a win will more or less hand them the tile by putting them 10 points clear with six matches remaining. To do this they will need to tame a high-tempo United who have found a winning formula.

United will be expected to start with Rooney up front, supported by Young and Mata with Fellaini and Herrera in the middle with Carrick providing an anchor should he recover from a calf knock picked up in the derby match. Blind and Valencia provide width on the wings with Smalling and Jones at centre back. However that would be the team Chelsea will be expecting but van Gaal might be reluctant to change a winning formula. Robin van Persie is fit but would be expected to sit on the bench with Radamel Falcao.

Manchester United will be chasing their first win against the Blues in eight attempts with Chelsea becoming a team that have frustrated the Manchester giants for some time. You have to go back to October 2012 and red cards for both Torres and Ivanovic for the last Manchester United win at Stamford Bridge.

Louis van Gaal and Mourinho are friends, having worked together at Barcelona but van Gaal has an opportunity to improve on the stalemate at Old Trafford an no doubt give them a chance of climbing another spot in the Premier League standings.

Chelsea have no new injury concerns but will have to hope that Loic Remy is fit enough to start with Costa resting his hamstring. Mourinho’s side are now unbeaten in 13 matches with their second trophy of the season now in touching distance.

Daley Blind and Young have been linking up well with Fellaini and the strength this has created has definitely improved their overall form and Mourinho may task Willian to act as spoiler for these dangerous links.

Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 the last time they hosted the Red Devils with a Eto’o hat-trick under Moyes.

Chelsea v Manchester United – Saturday 18th April 2015 – Kick-off 17:30

Referee: Mike Dean Assistants: S Long, D England Fourth Official: C Pawson

Source: DSG