Chelsea to prove themselves as Champions elect against United?

Chelsea host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. It is a massive chance for both teams to assert dominance but for different reasons. Manchester United need to demonstrate they aren’t a beaten down animal and can still compete for top four and even the title. Chelsea will want to show they are the outstanding candidate for the title. Having lost to City and drawn to Liverpool, they haven’t shown yet they can tackle the big teams but a comprehensive victory over Juventus may turn the tide in their favour.

Manchester United are on the verge of appointing Ralph Rangnick as the interim manager. Rangnick however will not be appointed in time for tomorrow’s match and so Michael Carrick will take charge of his second United game after seeing victory over Villarreal. United will need to be at their utmost best tomorrow if they want to win. Something they haven’t been since the opening day fixture. It will be a tough ask but with a new manager coming in, the players will want to impress. It could prove to make a very interesting watch. Here’s all you need to know:

Match Information:

Teams: Chelsea and Manchester United
Date: Sunday 28th November 2021
KO Time: 16:30 GMT
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Managers: Thomas Tuchel and Michael Carrick
Referee: Anthony Taylor

Chelsea vs Manchester United Team News

Chelsea

The home side will be without Ben Chilwell on Sunday. The English international has torn his ACL and will be out for a long time. N’Golo Kante is a major doubt after picking up an injury against Juventus. Tuchel claims it will be a miracle if Kante is fit for Sunday. Kovacic and Kai Havertz are also likely absentees. Romelu Lukaku is pushing for a start but Tuchel again said it would be difficult for Lukaku to start after making the bench against Juventus.

Manchester United

United have similar problems. Harry Maguire is suspended following his red card against Watford. This means, without Raphael Varane, United have just two centre backs in Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly. Luke Shaw is also a doubt after missing the trip to Villarreal with concussion. Paul Pogba remains out with a thigh injury as do Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood with a tendon issue and COVID-19 respectfully. Fred twisted his ankle in Spain but saw out the match and had a pivotal role in the win but should be able to play on Sunday.

Interesting Facts:

• Chelsea have not scored against Manchester United in the Premier League since the 2018/19 season. United did the double over Chelsea in the 2019/20 season before two goalless draws the season after. The last player to score for Chelsea against United in the league was Marcos Alonso.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored against Chelsea in 10 league attempts. His only goal against them came in the 2008 Champions League Final.
• The centre-back partnership of Lindelof and Bailly have a win percentage of 44% in 18 games.
• Manchester United have not lost at Stamford Bridge since 2017 in a 1-0 defeat.
• Both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have five goal contributions against Chelsea (4G 1A and 3G 2A respectfully). No other United player in the current squad has more contributions against Chelsea than these two.

Predicted XIs

Chelsea

There won’t be much different about Chelsea’s setup. They’re going to play 5-2-2-1. At the back, I think Silva and Rudiger start but it’s whether Chelsea play Azpilicueta and James or go for Chalobah who has done so well this season. I think Chelsea will keep James in an advanced role as he has been in terrific form so far. Alonso will swap in for Chilwell and will be a big problem for Wan-Bissaka as he is an aerial threat and gets into the box.

In midfield, Chelsea have a dialemma. No Kovacic and no Kante means Jorginho will partner up with either Mount or Loftus-Cheek. I don’t think Tuchel will risk Saul as he is not playing well for the Blues yet. I think Tuchel will drop Mount deeper and add another creative spark up top. Ziyech should start on the right, Hudson-Odoi on the left and Werner could play down the middle if Lukaku isn’t ready.

Predicted XI (5-2-3): Mendy; James, Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger, Alonso; Jorginho, Mount; Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi, Werner

Manchester United

United could opt for a back five to match Chelsea. The problem is, United only have two available centre backs. I think with United able to counter with Rashford, Sancho and Ronaldo, they will not play a back five. If Shaw is fit and genuinely fit, he will start because Telles did get caught out defensively at times. James and Ziyech will cause problems and put crosses in so United need to be wary. United should man-mark Jorginho with Bruno as, when pressed, he will gift United chances. I think McFred starts but if Fred can’t play, Donny could get a chance to feature. The front three is clear. Sancho has boosted his confidence with that goal and Rashford looks sharper. Ronaldo came off against Villarreal should start on Sunday and maybe get rested on Thursday.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I can’t see this being a high scoring game. Chelsea have been vulnerable when teams press them and effectively. However, United have rarely showed that this season. They can play some great counter attacking football and that will be something to rely on at the Bridge. Chelsea will score as without Maguire, United are vulnerable but can United put two past Chelsea? No one has done that this season and I don’t think it will start now. United will be tough to beat but so will Chelsea.

Predicted Score 1-1 draw.