Premier League holders Chelsea entertain Manchester United in Sunday’s late Premier League kick-off at Stamford Bridge. The Blues succumbed to a damaging 3-0 defeat to AS Roma in the Champions League in midweek, and Antonio Conte is likely to demand a strong response against a Jose Mourinho side, who are fresh from a 2-0 triumph over Benfica.
What happened in the Premier League last weekend?
The Blues sealed a solid 1-0 victory over strugglers Bournemouth last weekend. Eden Hazard bagged the only goal early in the second half, and the Blues held on comfortably – barring some late Cherries pressure.
United, on the other hand, secured the result of Gameweek 10 after they grabbed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. The game looked to be heading for a draw but Anthony Martial had the final say as he netted a sublime 81st-minute winner for Mourinho’s men.
Players to watch for:
Eden Hazard – Chelsea: The Belgian playmaker had a top month of October – excluding the 3-0 thumping versus AS Roma. Hazard has contributed a goal and an assist versus Bournemouth and Watford respectively, and he is likely to be the main threat from the left-wing – with Alvaro Morata seemingly struggling for form.
Romelu Lukaku – Manchester United: Likewise Morata, Lukaku has lost his goalscoring touch with no goals in the month of October. Nevertheless, the Belgian offers much more to United with his physical presence and linkup play – proving crucial to United’s campaign. Lukaku assisted Martial’s goal versus Spurs with a lovely directed header, and he will be determined to impress against his ex-club.
Prediction:
Conte will want his side to be defensively sound for United’s visit and this could go well with Mourinho, who normally sets his team up to avoid defeat – on the road against top-six opposition. A 0-0 draw looks a possibility.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Image – Getty
