Manchester United will be looking
to prove their own title credentials when they welcome Chelsea to Old
Trafford for the Super Sunday live clash.
New United boss Louis
van Gaal has this week confidently proclaimed that the 20-time
top-flight champions are ready to mount another title challenge, despite
making a far from impressive start to life under the Dutch supremo.
A battling 2-2 draw at West Brom on Monday night was not enough to
move Van Gaal’s men back into the top four, and United sit 10 points
behind Chelsea after just eight games.
A seemingly favourable
start to the season was supposed to give Van Gaal the platform to get
off to a positive start, but just three wins from eight - form not
helped by a number of high-profile defences errors - has seen the woes
experienced under David Moyes' reign continue.
Injuries,
especially at the back, have certainly hindered United’s progress, but
with key figures returning to fitness, Van Gaal will be well-equipped to
go toe-to-toe with a talented Chelsea outfit.
The Blues have been in imperious form so far this season, and sit top
of the pile - a spot they do not look like relinquishing, even at this
juncture of the campaign.
The signings of Diego Costa and Cesc
Fabregas have added further quality to a squad already blessed with
myriad abilities, and both have hit the ground running since arriving at
Stamford Bridge.
The visitors are favourites to earn victory in
Manchester, and history suggests that is the most likely result. United
have won only six of their last 22 Premier League games against Chelsea.
Chelsea have also kept clean sheets in their last two Premier League
games at Old Trafford. They have not kept more than three clean sheets
in a row there since a spell of five between 1968 and 1972.
Team news
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal must decide whether to recall Radamel Falcao to the starting line-up.
The Colombia hitman was on the bench against West Brom, but may be recalled as Robin van Persie continues to struggle for form.
Angel di Maria should be fit after shaking off a minor thigh injury
sustained last time out but Wayne Rooney is still suspended while Jonny
Evans and Paddy McNair are doubtful.
Striker Costa could return from a hamstring injury and illness for Chelsea.
Fellow
forward Loic Remy (groin) is out, while midfielders John Obi Mikel
(foot) and Ramires (groin) could return alongside Andre Schurrle, who
has recovered from illness.
Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta is banned for the first of three games following his dismissal at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Manchester United will be looking
to prove their own title credentials when they welcome Chelsea to Old
Trafford for the Super Sunday live clash.
A battling 2-2 draw at West Brom on Monday night was not enough to move Van Gaal’s men back into the top four, and United sit 10 points behind Chelsea after just eight games.
A seemingly favourable start to the season was supposed to give Van Gaal the platform to get off to a positive start, but just three wins from eight - form not helped by a number of high-profile defences errors - has seen the woes experienced under David Moyes' reign continue.
Injuries, especially at the back, have certainly hindered United’s progress, but with key figures returning to fitness, Van Gaal will be well-equipped to go toe-to-toe with a talented Chelsea outfit.
The Blues have been in imperious form so far this season, and sit top of the pile - a spot they do not look like relinquishing, even at this juncture of the campaign.
The signings of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have added further quality to a squad already blessed with myriad abilities, and both have hit the ground running since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors are favourites to earn victory in Manchester, and history suggests that is the most likely result. United have won only six of their last 22 Premier League games against Chelsea.
Chelsea have also kept clean sheets in their last two Premier League games at Old Trafford. They have not kept more than three clean sheets in a row there since a spell of five between 1968 and 1972.
Team news
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal must decide whether to recall Radamel Falcao to the starting line-up.
The Colombia hitman was on the bench against West Brom, but may be recalled as Robin van Persie continues to struggle for form.
Angel di Maria should be fit after shaking off a minor thigh injury sustained last time out but Wayne Rooney is still suspended while Jonny Evans and Paddy McNair are doubtful.
Striker Costa could return from a hamstring injury and illness for Chelsea.
Fellow forward Loic Remy (groin) is out, while midfielders John Obi Mikel (foot) and Ramires (groin) could return alongside Andre Schurrle, who has recovered from illness.
Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta is banned for the first of three games following his dismissal at Crystal Palace last weekend.
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