Buzz
1. How will MU approach the match?
There is concern that MU might approach this game in a "sleepy" manner, similar to their encounter with Liverpool. The fear stems from MU's challenging schedule, and Mourinho's reluctance to lose points on the road. This will become clearer once the starting lineup is revealed. If Mkhitaryan or Mata start, MU is likely to be more open in their play. However, if Ashley Young is chosen again, as in the Liverpool game, fans may be in for another dull match, waiting for Pogba’s long-range shots to make the difference.
2. David Luiz and Ibrahimovic reunite since leaving Paris Saint-Germain
David Luiz is certain to feature, as captain John Terry has lost his place in the defense. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic is also highly likely to play. If he does, it will be the first time the two former PSG teammates face off as rivals. Both are currently facing their own struggles: Luiz has been making frequent mistakes and remains a weak link in Chelsea’s defensive trio. Ibrahimovic, on the other hand, is enduring a long goal drought and desperately needs a goal to relieve the pressure.
3. Bộ ba Pogba - Herrera - Fellaini đối đầu Kante - Matic
Trường hợp MU chơi với đội hình 3 tiền vệ như trên, Chelsea sẽ có phần bất lợi khi lấy 2 đấu 3. Nhưng trên thực tế Kante và Matic đều là những mẫu tiền vệ càn lướt rất khỏe, nếu Chelsea chơi áp đảo ngay từ đầu thì Pogba nhiều khả năng sẽ phải thường xuyên lùi về để hỗ trợ cho bộ đôi tiền vệ trung tâm.
4. Will Rooney or Ibrahimovic start from the beginning?
This is likely the question that most MU fans are wondering: Ibra or Rooney as the center forward? Ibra desperately needs a goal to break his recent goal drought. Meanwhile, Rooney has just regained the trust of coach Mourinho with his excellent performance in the match against Fenerbahce. Another possibility is that both Rooney and Ibra might start together. In that case, R10 would play right behind Ibra, though this could make MU's attacks more vulnerable to being disrupted due to R10's age and his difficulty in keeping up with the fast pace of younger players like Martial and Lingard.
5. What are the chances of Mkhitaryan starting from the beginning?
Mkhitaryan didn't play a single minute in the Fenerbahce match. Many believe that Mourinho is saving him for the upcoming game against Chelsea tonight, and let's hope this turns out to be true. Since arriving at Old Trafford, Mkhitaryan hasn't made much of an impact on the team. He has frequently been sidelined due to injuries and often finds himself on the bench. Even when given playing time, he hasn't shown the qualities expected of him. Matches like these are a great opportunity for him to regain Mourinho's trust and prove that he isn't a wasted signing.
6. De Gea vs Courtois
Both are considered the top goalkeepers in the world at the moment. While De Gea has consistently provided stability and security for MU, Courtois has been struggling with form, making uncharacteristic mistakes for a goalkeeper of his caliber. Tonight, the match will be an intense battle to determine who truly deserves the number 1 spot, and Courtois will need to work hard to restore his reputation.
7. Diego Costa vs Eric Bailly
Unlike the central forwards of MU, Costa is in fantastic form, having scored 7 goals in his last 8 matches. Meanwhile, Bailly is proving to be one of MU's most solid defenders. Both players are crucial to their teams' success at the moment. It is certain that Bailly will be tasked with marking Costa. He will need to give his best to contain the striker.
8. Conte and Mourinho Built Up the Rivalry from the Press Conference
Even before the match began, coaches Conte and Mourinho had already sparked anticipation with their pre-match remarks. Mourinho was confident, boasting of his past success in defeating his former club at Stamford Bridge. However, he was also cautious, noting that Chelsea had improved significantly and now stood two points ahead of Manchester United. Conte emphasized his respect for his colleague, stressing that Mourinho remained an important figure in the hearts of Chelsea fans. "He deserves a warm reception on his return," said Conte about Mourinho.
9. Chelsea's Starting XI Sees Two Key Returns
Willian and Oscar have both returned after attending to family matters. It is highly likely that Willian will start from the beginning, while Oscar's involvement is still uncertain. In fact, Coach Conte might choose to keep the starting lineup the same as the one that triumphed over Leicester City, meaning both Willian and Oscar could come on from the bench.
10. Manchester United Boasts Full Strength Tonight
Mourinho's squad is stable, and the most important players are all fit and ready. Smalling is believed to have picked up a slight injury during the match against Fenerbahce, but it isn't a concern for Mourinho since he still has Blind at his disposal. The central defensive pairing of Bailly and Blind may be used, with Luke Shaw starting at left-back. Pogba is likely to be pushed into a number 10 role to make use of his long-range shooting ability if Manchester United sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and opts for a more cautious approach. On the wings, Martial (or Rashford) will play on the left, while Mkhitaryan (or Mata) will take the right flank. Ibrahimovic will lead the attack. If Rooney (or Mata) is deployed as the number 10, Pogba will return to a deeper position alongside Herrera, adding more solidity to United's midfield. Herrera has been in superb form, offering dynamism, endurance, and providing a solid foundation in the middle of the park for Manchester United.
