#360fans: Chelsea vs Man United - Supporters preview

Sport360 staff 21:25 06/02/2016
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  • Use #360fans to share with us your predictions.

    If you are interested in joining the clubs or popping along to watch the big game with like minded fans, you can contact them via the social media accounts linked below.

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    Toby Young, CHELSEA SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE

    As good as Chelsea’s record at Old Trafford used to be so Man United seem to get the better of the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

    With both teams failing to reach the heights expected of them this season and the machinations behind the scenes, it should make for an interesting encounter.

    United seem to be coming back to the boil after an incredibly painful four months where watching the grass grow on the Old Trafford pitch was more interesting than the teams performances.

    Chelsea's last four results

    • EPL: Watford (A) - 0-0 Draw
    • FA Cup: MK Dons (A) - 1-5 Win
    • EPL: Arsenal (A) - 0-1 Win
    • EPL: Everton (H) - 3-3 Draw

    Chelsea, unbeaten in 10 since Guus Hiddink took over, seem to gradually be coming back to form, although the new found fortitude should not be mistaken for a full blown return to confidence and the imperious winning ways that saw them win the league last season.

    Chelsea have a few injury worries for the game, particularly up front where Falcao is still injured (this could be written each week) and Remy appears to have a muscle strain too.

    Recent loan signing Pato may be in line to make the bench, although a lack of match fitness may see his debut delayed further.

    PREDICTION: Going for a 1-1 but expect both teams to go for the win.

    LIKELY CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Mikel; Hazard, Fabregas, William; Costa

    CHELSEA PLAYER TO WATCH: Diego Costa
    He is looking like he is almost back to his beast like best. His goals return has certainly increased since Mourinho left and his penchant for a fight seems to have been quelled too.

    UNITED PLAYER TO FEAR: Wayne Rooney
    He is coming into his own as he has scored seven goals in the last seven games. Returns like that are what title charges are made of.

    FAVOURITE CHELSEA-UNITED MEMORY: It has to be from 1994. Gavin Peacock scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 home victory, coincidentally the same scoreline was achieved at Old Trafford that season too. As far as I am concerned that is all that happened between the two clubs that season, I certainly don’t remember the FA Cup final!

    WHERE TO WATCH: As ever the Chelsea faithful will be watching the game at Loca in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. If you are in the area, come in and introduce yourself. We are always welcoming new members into the fold. The game kicks off at 8pm, but we expect people to start arriving from 7pm.

    TWITTER: @UAECSC

    FACEBOOK: Chelsea Supporters Club UAE

    Omar Othman, MUSCUAE

    The last two games have not only provided improved results and more goals, it’s the improved pace and urgency seen from the team that have seen confidence increase.

    Promising performances from 19-year-old Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Matteo Darmian provided solidarity at the back while we’ve seen greater width and threat up front.

    The likes of Lingard have also shown improved form and of course captain Wayne Rooney is finally back to his scoring ways.

    With positive news coming from Louis van Gaal over the injury updates to Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia, things are looking up for United’s top-four hopes.

    Going to Stamford Bridge is never an easy match despite Chelsea pulling off what may go down in history as the worst title defence ever.

    Man Utd's last four results

    • EPL: Stoke City (H) - 3-0
    • FA Cup: Derby County (A) - 1-3
    • EPL: Southampton (H) - 0-1 Loss
    • EPL: Liverpool (A) - 0-1 Win

    Both performances and results since Guus Hiddink took over towards the end of December have been promising with the side unbeaten under the Dutchman’s charge.

    With that being said, they have only won 2 of their last 7 games and drawn the rest.

    United have also only lost 1 of their last 6 games and in games like this, once the whistle goes, form, stats and reputation goes out the window.

    PREDICTION: Chelsea 1 -2 Manchester United

    LIKELY UNITED XI: Dea Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson, Fellaini, Carrick, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Rooney

    UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH: Anthony Martial
    Although Rooney has scored seven goals in as many games, the player to watch is Martial.  His pace, skill and will to take on the opposition has proven very important in United’s build-up play.

    CHELSEA PLAYER TO FEAR: Diego Costa
    I’m personally worried about Costa and his antics trying to get under the skin of the defenders with off the ball incidents.  If he manages to disrupt the United defence, he could cause serious issues.

    FAVOURITE CHELSEA-UNITED MEMORY: It has to be the 2008 Champions league final. The Terry slip and the eventual Van Der Sar save from Anelka’s penalty sealing United’s third premier European title… what a night!

    WHERE TO WATCH: MUSC UAE members have three locations to choose from which they can call home.  In Dubai matches are shown at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza and Yamo Café & Restaurant, Sidra Tower (Near Media City).  As for Abu Dhabi, the matches are shown at Coopers Bar in the Park Rotana.

    TWITTER: @MUSC_UAE

    FACEBOOK:  MUSC-UAE

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