EPL 2018-19- Chelsea vs Manchester United: Pre-match report
What's the story
The ninth match-day of the English Premier League has brought us one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season- Chelsea vs Manchester United. However, the fates these two clubs are going through this term, are vastly different. Chelsea are reaching newer heights under Maurizio Sarri and are among the table-toppers, United are at number eight, with just four wins. Here's our match preview.
Facts
Some interesting facts to gear you up for the match
Out of the last 16 EPL matches at Stamford Bridge between the two clubs, Chelsea have lost just one, way back in 2012. Chelsea vs Manchester United matches have seen 232 yellow cards being handed, 17 more than any other Premier League encounter ever. Manchester United have lost 18 games against Chelsea, their highest among all EPL head-to-head encounters.
Chelsea
Team news from the hosts' corner
Ampadu (knee), Barkley, and Hudson-Odoi will be out of today's fixture due to injuries. Sarri will field his preferred 4-3-2-1 formation with Hazard and Willian as attacking wingers as Giroud takes on the striker's role. The role of Giroud has become vital in the squad, with him producing four assists this season. Chelsea mid-field of Jorghino, Kante, Kovacic can make matters tough for United.
Manchester United
How do the Red Devils look?
Manchester United will see Ander Herrera return to the squad after a long time. Fellaini, Matic, and Shaw were injured during the international break but might play in the match tonight. Mourinho also might field a 4-3-2-1 squad with Lukaku as the striker. But, it remains to be seen whether he replicates for United the goals-coring prowess, he showed for Belgium recently.
TV listing
Predicted line-ups and TV listing
Chelsea: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Willian, Giroud, Hazard. Manchester United: David de Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Shaw, Fred, Herrera, Pogba, Mata, Lukaku, Sanchez. The match is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM IST and can be viewed on Star Sports Select 1 or Star Sports Select HD. Fans can also live stream the match on Hotstar.