Match Preview
The conclusion of the international break comes with a crunchy Saturday lunchtime encounter in the English Premier League. It does not get any bigger than Chelsea vs Manchester United with the two clubs forging a fierce rivalry over the years. While both clubs will be aiming at wins for respective reasons, neutrals should be looking forward to an exciting clash.
Momentarily, it is Chelsea who is odds-on to get the better of the Red Devils. An impressive start to life in the domestic league has seen the Londoners seat in second-place. Nine points separate Maurizio Sarri's men and the opponent they come up against who occupy the eighth position after eight matches this season.
For Chelsea, the mission will be to simply replicate the form witnessed in the era of "Sarriball". Aside the draw against Liverpool, the Blues have maintained an enviable winning run, keeping things tidy at the back as well in most cases.
Having tuned the overall win-loss ratio against Manchester United to their advantage in recent years, the Stamford Bridge team is expected to do due diligence in their backyard.
On the other hand, Manchester United will not be a mere pushover as it has been the case in these encounters in recent seasons. Albeit the apparent crisis casting doubts on the club's capabilities, many expect a renaissance from Jose Mourinho's brigade.
However, the test with Chelsea will be reckoned by many as one to have presented itself at an odd hour. Manchester United enters Saturday's game on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 win over Newcastle. While the manner in which the dramatic comeback has been lauded by many, the Red Devils are expected to feed on the momentum to turn their fortunes around this season - starting with the complex task of getting the results against Chelsea.
Team News
Chelsea approaches the weekend's epic clash with all but Antonio Rudiger posing as a major doubt to be available for selection. The German defender, who has carved out a formidable defensive partnership with David Luiz, was forced to with from the national team with a groin problem.
For Manchester United, a host of players face late fitness tests. Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, and Scott McTominay all ended their time on international duty abruptly due to injury. Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, and Marcos Rojo are still recuperating respective injuries on the sidelines.
However, Diogo Dalot and Marouane Fellaini should be in contention for places after spending some time on the treatment table in the past.
Chelsea and Manchester United Form and Head-to-head stats
Chelsea has won six of its eight league games so far this season and is without a single defeat in all competitions. In their last fixture, goals by Eden Hazard, Ross Barkley, and Alvaro Morata ensured a cruising 3-0 win over Southampton at the Saint Mary's Stadium.
Similarly, Manchester United bagged three goals in their last outing although it did so after conceding twice against Newcastle. The club from Old Trafford enters their weekend game on the back of four wins, four defeats and two draws in their last 10 appearances across all competitions.
Perusing the head-to-head statistics between Chelsea and Manchester United, the Blues currently boast a better ratio having accumulated 54 wins out of the 180 meetings. Manchester United's tally currently sits at 49.
The last encounter between the sides was in last year's Emirates FA Cup final, which Chelsea run off with a 1-0.
What are Chelsea and Manchester United saying on social media?
Chelsea
Final preparations... #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/nYD9hEeHmI
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 19, 2018
#TBT: One of @Ballack's finest days as Blue, scoring this and a late penalty to seal a 2-1 win over Man Utd in 2008! pic.twitter.com/M2sWrepkAw
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2018
Sarri says tomorrow's opponents Manchester United are a very strong team who player by player may be the best in the league. #CHEMUN
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 19, 2018
Manchester United
"I am 100% Manchester United tomorrow," says the boss. "There's no space for anything more than respect for the stadium and the fans that were my fans before." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/eOAEDGmijp
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2018
Jose on @LukeShaw23: "In the difficult moments when he was not selected, not playing regularly, he was always saying: 'I want to play for you, I want to play for United. I'm going to make it.' He faced the process in a brave way." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XS7wqnLEnR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2018
Phil Neville scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge in 1998, as #MUFC came away with a 1-0 win...
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2018
And what a goal it was! pic.twitter.com/oyrxRX6IAc
Broadcast listings
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In the US, Chelsea vs Manchester United will be shown live on SiriusXM FC, NBC Sports Live, UNIVERSO, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO NOW, NBCSN and NBCSports.com.
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For viewer in the UK, the afternoon's game will be aired on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, BBC Radio 5 Live.
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In Spai, the match will be shown live on Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones.
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