Manchester United and Chelsea do battle this weekend in the biggest test of Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford tenure.
Both sides’ global appeal makes the game a worldwide spectacle and football fans in the UAE will have their eyes firmly on proceedings come kick-off at 8pm tomorrow.
To garner an insight into the minds of the two sets of fans we asked members of the respective supporters clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
Ziad Al Jamman – Manchester United Supporters Club UAE
Sunday will see the first visit to Old Trafford for one of the contenders for the Premier League title when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea come to town and many are labelling them champions already.
This fixture is our toughest so far this season and comes after a disappointing 2-2 draw away to West Brom.
That was the first time we used a five-man midfield since all our signings arrived and I feel we will be looking at the same set up to add extra cover defensively.
Robin van Persie has not been in form at all and his place could come under severe threat with Falcao looking lively as a sub last time out.
Marouane Fellaini – United’s marmite in the sense you either love him or hate him – took his goal well and proved a threat that may have forced him into contention for a starting berth. His height may prove an advantage against a Chelsea side that will look to exploit set pieces.
Chelsea sit comfortably at the top of the table and it will be interesting to see how they cope without Diego Costa and Loic Remy.
United are a point away from the 4th place that we want and our goal has always been to finish in the Champions League places this season and look to build on that next year.
Score prediction: 2-2
Likely United line-up: De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Di Maria, Fellaini, Mata, Herrera, Falcao
United’s player to watch: Angel Di Maria – He is the type of player that is made for games like this. Hopefully he has recovered from his injury and is ready to pull strings in the heart of United’s midfield.
Where to watch: Our local supporters club will be watching the game at our main venue at Dubai Harvesters in Crowne Plaza Sheikh Zayed Road. Some of us can also be found in Nara Shisha Café and Stars n Bars for our Abu Dhabi based fans.
Toby Young – UAE Chelsea Supporters Club
Last season saw Chelsea draw 0-0 at Old Trafford in one of David Moyes’ first games in charge.
Chelsea's tactics that day seemed bizarre to say the least, starting the game without a recognised striker and a phalanx of interchangeable attacking midfielders.
That experiment was rarely repeated, the score line hinting at its success.
The return match was marked by a Samuel Eto'o hat-trick, but he will most definitely not be playing a part in this weekend's game.
Chelsea are struggling on the striker front and both Costa and Remy missing the match through injury. This leaves them with just Didier Drogba to play the lone striker roll.
This will undoubtedly be good news for Manchester United fans as it is clear he has lost a yard of pace, although be warned, he is still as strong as ever.
The only other injuries of note are to Ramires and Andre Schurrle who may yet recover to play a part while Cesar Azpilicueta is suspended after being sent off against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea's defence will need to be alert to the jet lag recovering Falcao, while their strength in depth in the attacking midfield department may also pose a threat.
A certain Juan Mata could no doubt come back to haunt his former club.
Score prediction: 2-2
Likely Chelsea line-up: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Oscar, Willian, Hazard; Drogba
Chelsea’s player to watch: Cesc Fabregas – The Spaniard has been imperious since joining the Blues and his battle with Di Maria could prove pivotal.
Where to watch: The Official UAE Chelsea Supporters Club will be watching the game live at Bar Loca in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa with the kick off at 8pm UAE time. If the game is on live television, we will be there!
