Two top Premier League contenders will meet this Saturday when Chelsea hosts Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho's side will try to defend their 7-point advantage over Arsenal, while the Red Devils will try to get closer to their hosts by winning their seventh game in a row.
Jose Mourinho and his Blues know that winning the Premier League is entirely up to them. Their form throughout the season has been astonishing, never leaving the first place of the competition so far, and with newcomers such as Diego Costa and Loic Remy chipping in when times get tough. Other players that have given Mourinho a reason to smile are Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard, who has been nominated to the PFA Player of the Year award. The team's Twitter feed ellaborated on the Belgian midfielder's nomination.
It's the third season in a row that Eden Hazard has been nominated for both PFA Player of the Year awards... #CFC pic.twitter.com/71CJiNir0e
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 16, 2015
With a game in hand against Leicester to be played on April 29th, the Blues will try to keep their unbeaten streak at home, meaning that a victory over the Red Devils could well mean a huge step to another Premier League championship. Chelsea's latest defeat against Manchester United while playing at Stamford Bridge happened back in October 2012, and Mourinho's crew will try to make it eight undefeated games against Van Gaal's side when they meet on Saturday. To do that, Mourinho will not have Diego Costa available, after not being able to recover from a hamstring injury.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United are completely turning things around for them in 2015. After a complicated start of the season, Louis Van Gaal has hit the spot with a lineup not including super signing Angel Di Maria or Radamel Falcao, relying on some players that were thought to have outstayed their welcome at Old Trafford, such as Marouane Fellaini. Trailing Arsenal by just one point, Manchester United presents a clear threat for the Blues' defense, with captain Wayne Rooney in the best shape of his career, recovering his goal scoring instincts and leading the Red Devils to a glorious comeback.
Creating a balance with Rooney's display upfront, David De Gea has to be considered a suitable candidate for this year's Manchester United MVP. His saves have come in difficult times, giving United the chance to climb back after enduring losses against lesser rivals such as Leicester and Swansea City. The Spanish shot-stopper has also been nominated for this year's PFA Player of the Year award, which he celebrated with his fans through his Twitter account.
An honour to be nominated for the @PFA awards Many thanks to all my teammates for making it possible #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/fwsCx0yJ2Y
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) April 16, 2015
Looking back to the greatest moments of this rivalry, there's a player that currently performs for the Red Devils, but used to earn his paycheck with the Blues: Juan Mata. The Spanish midfielder became a key asset for Van Gaal's lineup, scoring one of the best goals this season against Liverpool, and elevating himself to a fan-favorite status. Mata remembered his days as a Blue, and the team's Twitter feed used the same footage to praise his skills...even though he used them against his current club.
We're glad you're on our side now, Juan! #mufc https://t.co/ewZg098aa0
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 16, 2015
Will the Blues be able to get one step closer to the Premier League title? Or will Van Gaal & Co. make the English top-flight a much tighter race?
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