Just after recovering from the impressions of yesterday's "El Clasico", today at 18:00, the attention of football fans will be captured by the English "Premier" league. 2012-13 country champion, aiming to return to the elite after a poor past season, Manchester United will clash with the current leader of the tournament table Chelsea at "Old Trafford" stadium. You will be able to watch the match on the "Viasat Sport Baltic" channel.
What can we expect from the hosts? Of course, tough battles and frequent threats to the opponents' goal. With attackers like Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, and Radamel Falcao on their side, it is possible to intimidate any opponents. This is perfectly illustrated by the fact that the "Red Devils" have ended only one "Premier" league match this season without scoring a goal.
Although Manchester United will not have Rooney on the field tonight due to a red card received in the match against West Ham United, the team's offense looks no less menacing when looking at the attacking midfielders: the most expensive purchase in the history of English clubs Angel Di Maria and former Chelsea player Juan Mata.
However, the biggest problem for "Man Utd" is defense. The club's goals conceded ratio is only +3, and even five strikes from the league newcomer Leicester City against the team's goal further suggest that Louis van Gaal's three-defender system is not working. "Red Devils" fans will surely have to fear for the game near their own goal, as Chelsea is a team that does not forgive mistakes. Moreover, due to injuries, Johnny Evans and key defensive full back Antonio Valencia will not be able to play.
London "aristocrats", like any team led by Jose Mourinho, are known for their strong defense. Although Chelsea has ended some of their matches this season conceding a goal or two, this is a consequence of open football and fast offense. The capital club has managed to score 23 goals in eight Premier league matches, which is almost 3 accurate shots per game.
On the other hand, this team will also have absences. Injuries are healing for the most productive player in the English championship, Diego Costa, substitute striker Loic Remy, and defender John Obi Mikel. It is also uncertain whether the injured Andre Schurrle will be able to play. However, Jose Mourinho mentioned in an interview that Costa may still appear on the field, but this is unlikely. Along with the injured players, suspended defender Cesar Azpilicueta will watch the match on TV.
Thus, without their main offensive pillar and his substitute, the London team remains only with the veteran Didier Drogba. It was thought that Schurrle could appear in the "false ninth position", but now his fate is unclear. It seems that Chelsea will heavily rely on their defenders in tonight's match.
Before the match, Mourinho said that his pupils are going to Manchester to take three points, but remembering the last game that ended in a goalless draw, the Portuguese said that sometimes, in unfavorable circumstances, a draw is also a positive result. Based on these words, it can be assumed that we will see more ball pushing in the middle of the field and cautious play in the current situation. Similarly, Chelsea has already played against Arsenal without Diego Costa.
Manchester United's situation is different - the slowly recovering team wants to prove to their fans that they are of the highest class, and the duel with the league leader is a great opportunity to do so. The success of the "Red Devils" will mainly depend on the contribution of their defenders in both attacking and defensive capabilities. Another important detail is the activity of the forwards. If the "United" front-line plays successfully, the opponents will have fewer chances to counter-attack, and good defensive play will not allow the "Blues" to keep the ball longer. Louis van Gaal said that his players played the best match against West Bromwich, but to achieve a good result tonight, they will have to play even better.
Predicted starting lineups
Manchester United: D. De Gea, Rafael, P. Jones, L. Shaw, M. Rojo, A. Di Maria, J. Mata, D. Blind, A. Herrera, R. Falcao, R. Van Persie.
Chelsea: T. Courtois, B. Ivanovic, F. Luis, J. Terry, G. Cahill, C. Fabregas, Oscar, E. Hazard, N. Matic, Willian, D. Drogba.
