Ahead of their clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Chelsea and Manchester United UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
We asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch. Do you agree or have they missed the mark?
Chelsea are ready for the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his ignominious departure last season. It will be like seeing an ex-girlfriend you have not quite got over, and one that has run off with your best mate at that.
Despite Mourinho’s professed love of the club and fans, his move to United has irked many fans and although you can’t begrudge a man from earning a living, it hurts. That said, I am sure he will get a good reception by fans who idolised him for so many years.
The Chelsea squad is relatively injury free at present with just the long term casualty Kurt Zouma certain to miss the encounter. John Terry seems to have worked his way back to fitness too. There are a couple of doubts about Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas, who have slight muscle strains and seem unlikely to start.
SCORE PREDICTION: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
LIKELY CHELSEA XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, David Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Matic, Moses; Hazard, Willian; Costa
CHELSEA PLAYER TO WATCH: Eden Hazard – If Mourinho lines United up as he did against Liverpool then Hazard’s creativity will be needed more than ever. If he is off form the supply to Diego Costa could be limited.
MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER TO FEAR: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Although his form has tailed off of late, Ibrahimovic loves the big games and he will surely relish taking on his former PSG team-mate, David Luiz.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-MAN UTD MOMENT: It has to be doing the double over United in the 1993-94 season. Both games were won 1-0, with Gavin Peacock scoring on both occasions.
WHERE TO WATCH: The Chelsea UAE Fan Club will be watching the game at the new McGettigans at Madinat Jumeirah. If you drop in come and say hello!
FACEBOOK: UAECSC
TWITTER: @uaecsc
Jose Mourinho’s tactics came under heavy criticism following the 0-0 draw with Liverpool last week, but many United fans would have been happy with a point before the game so really it was a job well done.
Thursday night saw a much more positive result as United put four past Fenerbahce in the Europa League and now the focus turns to Chelsea. Of course the media are hyping up Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, how big the bus is that United intend to park and whether or not Wayne Rooney will play.
Matches in recent times at Stamford Bridge haven’t been ones to celebrate with United not winning away at Chelsea since October 2012. But as I always say, stats and form mean nothing once the whistle goes!
In what is still looking like the closest Premier League race in history, there is little room for mistakes or slip ups, and both teams will need to go for the win. Mourinho has almost a full squad to choose from with the exception of Chris Smalling, who is a doubt, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is not yet match fit.
I don’t see this game being a high scoring game, both with solid defences and tacticians on the sidelines, this could end up like a chess game.
SCORE PREDICTION: Chelsea 0 – 1 Manchester United
LIKELY MANCHESTER UNITED XI: Dea Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba; Mata, Rashford, Ibrahimovic
MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER TO WATCH: Paul Pogba – Under constant attack because of his price tag, it is only a matter of time before he finds his bearings and silences his critics.
CHELSEA PLAYER TO FEAR: Diego Costa – His antics off the ball as well as the threat he causes on the ball are well established. Will try and get under the skin of his opponents, so United players need to make sure he doesn’t succeed.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-MAN UTD MOMENT: Going to Stamford Bridge in recent years hasn’t brought happy times, but the last time that happened was just over four years ago as United won 3-2. It’s time to add another one to that list!
WHERE TO WATCH: MUSC UAE members have three locations to choose from. In Dubai matches are shown at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza and Petals in Time Oak Hotel, Barsha Heights (Tecom). As for Abu Dhabi, the matches are shown at Coopers Bar in the Park Rotana.
FACEBOOK: MUSC.UAE
TWITTER: @musc_uae
