Manchester
United will be looking to prove their own title credentials when they
welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford for the Super Sunday live clash.
New United boss Louis van Gaal has this week confidently proclaimed that the
20-time top-flight champions are ready to mount another title challenge,
despite making a far from impressive start to life under the Dutch supremo.
A battling 2-2 draw at West Brom on Monday night was not enough to move Van
Gaal’s men back into the top four, and United sit 10 points behind Chelsea
after just eight games.
A seemingly favourable start to the season was supposed to give Van Gaal the
platform to get off to a positive start, but just three wins from eight -
form not helped by a number of high-profile defences errors - has seen the
woes experienced under David Moyes' reign continue.
Injuries, especially at the back, have certainly hindered United’s progress,
but with key figures returning to fitness, Van Gaal will be well-equipped to
go toe-to-toe with a talented Chelsea outfit.
The Blues have been in imperious form so far this season, and sit top of the
pile - a spot they do not look like relinquishing, even at this juncture of
the campaign.
The signings of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have added further quality to
a squad already blessed with myriad abilities, and both have hit the ground
running since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Opta facts
Chelsea are the only Premier League opponents that Man Utd have lost more
games (15) against than won (13) against.
John Terry should make his 430th Premier League appearance in this game; he
will overtake Frank Lampard as the player with the most appearances for
Chelsea in the competition.
United have had a man sent off in two of their last three Premier League
encounters with Chelsea.
Angel Di Maria has assisted a goal in four of his last five Premier League
games for Manchester United.
The visitors are favourites to earn victory in Manchester, and history
suggests that is the most likely result. United have won only six of their
last 22 Premier League games against Chelsea.
Chelsea have also kept clean sheets in their last two Premier League games
at Old Trafford. They have not kept more than three clean sheets in a row
there since a spell of five between 1968 and 1972.
Team news
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal must decide whether to recall Radamel
Falcao to the starting line-up.
The Colombia hitman was on the bench against West Brom, but may be recalled
as Robin van Persie continues to struggle for form.
Angel di Maria (groin) faces a late fitness test as to whether he will be
fit to start. Wayne Rooney is still suspended while Jonny Evans and Paddy
McNair are doubtful.
Striker Costa could return from a hamstring injury and illness for Chelsea.
Fellow forward Loic Remy (groin) is out, while midfielders John Obi Mikel
(foot) and Ramires (groin) could return alongside Andre Schurrle, who has
recovered from illness.
Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta is banned for the first of three games following
his dismissal at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Paul Merson's prediction
So much depends on whether or not Diego Costa will be fit for this game. If
both him and Loic Remy are out then Manchester United have a chance. Didier
Drogba is not the same player and isn’t going to run away from anybody and
if he plays then United can squeeze the game and suffocate Chelsea a little
bit.
A lot of people will expect Chelsea to turn up and win and they can’t afford
to get complacent because this will be a hard game. I will still just go for
Chelsea, but only for a narrow win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
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