Jose Mourinho’s last two visits to the Stamford Bridge have come with defeats and the Portuguese will have another go when Chelsea will visit the Old Trafford in the English Premier League. The Blues have been in scintillating form in the League and will be the favourites among the two teams when they will come head to head.
Chelsea have emerged as the major title contenders this season and are seven points adrift of their nearest title rivals Tottenham Hotspur. A second defeat in four matches for the Blues would somehow give the North London side a sniff of the title and it will set the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
Given the fact that Mourinho has managed this bunch of players for a brief period, he knows the pros and cons of this Chelsea team and would try to capitalise on it.
Key Battles
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Vs Cesar Azpilicueta
Antonio Conte knows what Zlatan Ibrahimovic can do if he is given a little bit of space in the opponent box and keeping that in his mind he has to plan his strategy.
Zlatan’s proficiency has been the shining light of United’s season and it has helped the Red Devils immensely as the 35-year-old still has been the main threat for Manchester United.
Cesar Azpilicueta has shifted into the three-man defence from his usual side back role and has been a revelation among the three central defenders. Conte’s successful implementation of the three-man defence system would not have been possible had Azpilicueta not been there.
The Spanish international will have the task to track Zlatan. Zlatan often drops deep to support his infield players and his ability to shield the ball is excellent.
Paul Pogba vs N’Golo Kante
Two fellow countrymen will be up against each other when the Red Devils will host the Blues. Pogba has been inconsistent but has the required tenacity to go beyond his usual antics. Mourinho will deploy him in a slightly further advanced role to involve him in the attack. Pogba has a great vision for long passes and has been very accurate with his long balls.
N’Golo Kante’s interception and recovery of balls have been the most talked about things at the Stamford Bridge this season. The midfielder has so far been very successful in his task and will try to stop Pogba’s surging runs.
Diego Costa vs Marcos Rojo
Diego Costa is one of the most fearsome striker in the Premier League right now. Mourinho had a foolproof plan in the FA Cup quarterfinal for the Spanish striker and was pretty successful implementing it. This time the gaffer will unleash Marcos Rojo to deal with the threat of Diego Costa.
