Monday night sees the first big clash of the season between Manchester United & Chelsea at Old Trafford.
With both clubs coming off from opening weekend victories, it will be important to build on that success in which Ryan Giggs described “an important start is vital.”
Team news:
Jose confirmed David Luiz is set to miss out with a hamstring problem.
Ashley Young, Nani, and Hernandez are likely to miss out. Rafael and Fletcher will miss the game.
However, the most discussed topic coming into the game will be about Wayne Rooney. Mourinho’s problem evidently is that he needs a striker and he expressed that after the match the club will make another offer for Wayne Rooney. David Moyes has stated that Rooney could start the game, which may mean sacrificing Danny Welbeck who scored a brace last weekend over Swansea. Rooney may play a role the same as last weekend’s triumph over Swansea, coming on as a sub and making an impact. If David Moyes decides not to feature Rooney, it will enhance speculation further over a transfer to Chelsea.
Both managers will offer different approaches that could make the game a tight affair. John Terry and Gary Cahill will look to contain the brilliance of Robin Van Persie, while United’s focus will be trying to contain a superb Chelsea midfield. One weakness for United could be Jones filling in at fullback playing against Eden Hazard or Andre Schurrle.
With the goals so far coming from the Chelsea midfield and back line, it could be a low scoring match if United handle the Blues’ midfield. United’s defensive partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic will be delighted if Torres starts up front. The days when Torres was Vidic’s nightmare is in the distant past and now seems most defenders contain him with ease. On the final game of the last season, Lukaku scored a second half hat-trick against Manchester United, and with another game for Chelsea this Friday, the Belgian striker may get his first start against United.
With Chelsea and Manchester United boasting a 100% record in the league, both sides will most likely settle for a point. A win for Chelsea would see them 6 points better off than United and is something David Moyes does not want, especially with a trip to Anfield next week.
Manchester United Starting XI (4-4-1-1): De Gea; Jones, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Cleverley, Carrick, Valencia, Welbeck, Kagawa, Van Persie.
Chelsea Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Lukaku .
