Chelsea Vs Man Utd: Bridge too far?
Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial (L) embraces Manchester United's French midfielder Paul Pogba (R) as he celebrates scoring a goal in a UEFA Europa League group A football match.
What you need to know:
- SOCCER. At one time the darling at a place he fondly called home, Jose Mourinho returns to visit west London for a crunch match against Chelsea with a struggling Manchester United, to face players who will have extra motivation to put one over him.
Jose Mourinho will make his highly-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge tomorrow for the first time since he was axed as Chelsea’s boss in December.
Many Blues fans were disappointed to see the back of the ‘Special One’ despite their rotten form last term following two trophy-laden spells in charge of the west Londoners. With Mourinho moving on with Chelsea’s Premier League rivals United and Antonio Conte doing a good job of picking up the pieces at Stamford Bridge, the clash between the Blues and the Red Devils this weekend will certainly be an intriguing affair.
Not only will it mark Mourinho’s first game back at the Blues, but it could also give both clubs the chance to move into the top four.
Chelsea could still be without Willian for the visit of United who was last week granted compassionate leave following the death of his mother. Oscar also missed the 3-0 win over Leicester City after travelling back to Brazil following the death of his grandfather, which could pave the way for Victor Moses and Pedro to keep their places on the right flank while Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante play in central midfield.
John Terry has fully recovered from the ankle injury that has kept him out of Chelsea’s games since the 2-2 draw at Swansea City, although he is unlikely to force his way back into the starting line-up following the success of Conte’s 3-4-3 system which sees Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta play at the back.
Morale boosting
However, Conte must wait to see whether Branislav Ivanovic, Mikel John Obi and Cesc Fabregas have recovered from the minor knocks that kept them out of the last match. Manchester United picked up a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night and will be heading into this weekend’s game with a lot of confidence. They managed to shut down a top quality Liverpool attack on Monday and will fancy their chances here.
Jose Mourinho will be well aware of the home side’s strengths and weaknesses and the Portuguese tactician will look to take full advantage. It will be interesting to see how he counters Conte’s three defender formation.
Manchester United have struggled at Stamford Bridge in the last few seasons and will be determined to fix that record this week.
The Old Trafford outfit will be without Phil Jones and Morgan Schneiderlin for this game.
Both players are struggling with fitness issues. Bastian Schweinsteiger continues to train with the youth team.
LAST EIGHT MEETINGS
Feb 7, 2016: Chelsea 1 - 1 Man United
Dec 28, 2015: Man United 0 - 0 Chelsea
Apr 18, 2015: Chelsea 1 - 0 Man United
Oct 26, 2014: Man United1 - 1 Chelsea
Jan 19, 2014: Chelsea 3 - 1 Man United
Aug 26, 2013: Man United 0 - 0 Chelsea
May 5, 2013: Man United 0 - 1 Chelsea
Oct 28, 2012: Chelsea 2 - 3 Man United
Feb 5, 2012: Chelsea 3 - 3 Man United
ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP - TODAY
B’mouth vs. Tottenham SS3, 2.30PM
Hull vs. Stoke SS2, 5PM
Arsenal vs. M’brough SS3, 5PM
Liverpool vs. West Brom SS3, 5PM
Leicester vs. C. Palace SS5, 5PM
Burnley vs. Everton SS7, 7.30PM
TOMORROW
Man City vs. Soton SS3, 3.30PM
Chelsea vs. Man Utd SS3, 6.30PM
