EFL Cup 2019-20: Ruthless Chelsea take on inspired Manchester United
What's the story
Manchester United have endured a troubled start to the season in the Premier League. However, they are unbeaten in their last three games and would look to carry the same momentum against Chelsea during the EFL Cup, at Stamford Bridge, on Wednesday. Chelsea, having beaten 0-4 by United during the EPL opener at Old Trafford, would certainly eye payback. Here's the match preview.
Current form
United may have found new life, Chelsea have been ruthless
Taking into consideration the current form of both the teams, there is a notable difference. United have been highly inconsistent, as they have managed to win their last two games, while they were winless in the four games prior. Chelsea, on the other hand, have been ruthless in their past seven games, winning it all on good margins.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea face injury concerns despite winning run
As far as the team news for The Blues is concerned, despite their brutal winning run, there are certain injury concerns, with Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco van Ginkel being ruled out. Meanwhile, the likes of N'Golo Kante and Ross Barkley, too, remain doubtful. Nonetheless, playing at home, followed up by their current form, is a plus.
United team news
United, too, plagued by injuries despite winning form
United may be on a slender winning run, but they do have massive injury concerns, in the form of Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, and Diogo Dalot. While Nemanja Matic and Luke Shaw are on the verge of recovery, they are unlikely to feature on Wednesday. Therefore, the onus would once again be upon Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata.
Data
United hold historical edge over Chelsea
Considering their head-to-head clash to date, Chelsea have not enjoyed the best of it. In 184 matches to date, Chelsea have won just 54, lost 79 and drawn 51. However, going by the current form, Chelsea look favorites to run away with a win here.
Key players
Christian Pulisic and Martial among players to watch out for
As for the players who could make an impact, Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is the man of the moment, as he became the youngest player from the club to score a hat-trick in the EPL, over the weekend, against Burnley. For United, Martial would be the man, having registered take-ons of 4.9 per 90 minutes which is more than any other United player.
Predicted starting XI
Here is the predicted starting XI
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Willy Caballero; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori, Marcos Alonso; Jorginho, Billy Gilmour; Pedro, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic; Oliver Giroud. United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rojo, Brandon Williams; Scott McTominay, Fred; Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial; Mason Greenwood. Dream XI (4-4-2): De Gea, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Alonso, Tomori, Lingard, McTominay, Pulisic (c), Mount, Martial (vc), Giroud.
Match details
When, where and how to watch?
Match: Chelsea vs Manchester United (EFL Cup). Venue: Stamford Bridge, London. Time: 1.30 AM IST (Thursday, October 31). Where to watch (TV): MTV India (also available in HD). Where to watch (Online): Jio TV.