An enthralling comeback victory against Newcastle United uplifted the spirit at Old Trafford, but the anxious run of Manchester United is piling up the pressure on Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician, who will be visiting his former club Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime. The Blues are one of the prime title contenders this term maintaining an unbeaten league status so far alongside Manchester City and Liverpool.
Team News
There have been a few injuries in United camp with Jesse Lingard, Marcos Rojo and Ander Herrera unlikely to make the London trip. Young Scott McTominay is a doubt as well with a knee strain but both Nemanja Matic and Luke Shaw are expected to return to action despite having minor fitness concerns.
Formation
Jose Mourinho has altered the set-up time to time but failed to live up to the demands and expectations so far this term. Yet he should start with a 4-3-3 pattern to contest ‘Sarriball’ and should switch the formation later on considering the mood of the game.
Defence
David De Gea, though world-class, is having a rough patch since the World Cup back in June-July. But the Spaniard is capable of winning a game all alone with exquisite saves.
Antonio Valencia, the club skipper, is not in his best form but should be lined up against the Blues to contain Eden Hazard. Chris Smalling is expected to retain his place in central defence, but Victor Lindelof might be recalled in action over Eric Bailly who was withdrawn within 20 minutes of the game versus the Magpies. Impressive Luke Shaw has a knock but should recover in time and keep his place down the left of United’s ‘back four’.
Midfield
Mourinho has plenty of options but has failed to pick out the right combination yet in midfield. Ex-Blues medio Nemanja Matic should keep hold of his place if declared fit whereas French sensation Paul Pogba must uplift his game furthermore despite an encouraging second-half display versus Newcastle United. Juan Mata should get a nod against his former club ahead of Fred or Marouane Fellaini who should be introduced later on to inject physicality.
Attack
Alexis Sanchez ended his goal drought spectacularly by scoring the winning goal against Newcastle and must be growing in confidence to regain his place down the left flank. The Chilean should start the game over Anthony Martial as the latter is expected to bring in more flair, pace and trickery against tired legs. Youngster Marcus Rashford had a stunning outing against Spain while representing the Three Lions and is tipped to retain his starting role on the opposite wing. Romelu Lukaku is working hard to get back to the scoresheet and will lead the line once more against his former employers.
