Manchester United continue their busy October with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea at 17:30 on Saturday.
Last season, this fixture ended 1-1, after a penalty from Jorginho cancelled out Jadon Sancho’s well-taken opener.
That day, Michael Carrick and Thomas Tuchel were in charge of United and Chelsea respectively. However, it has all changed this season, with both clubs having new managers, Erik ten Hag and Graham Potter.
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Manchester United and Chelsea have both been on a good run of form, something they are no doubt hoping to continue with three points on Saturday.
Chelsea currently sit in 4th place, on 20 points. They are only one point ahead of United, who, after a good run, are now 5th in the table, within touching distance of a Champions League position.
A win against the London club would see United move into the top four, something they can hopefully consolidate in the run-up to the World Cup.
Manchester United
Last 5 games: W, W, W, D, W
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Following an abysmal resumption to club football after the last international break, suffering defeat in the Manchester Derby, United’s form has been impressive.
A 3-2 win away to Omonia Nicosia, thanks to two goals from Marcus Rashford, and an Anthony Martial goal, saw United return home with a vital three points.
This was a win they backed up away to Everton the following Sunday. Despite going behind 1-0 early on, United showed great character to eventually win the game 2-1, thanks to goals from Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo.
United then beat Omonia at Old Trafford but left it late despite having over 30 shots. Scott McTominay finally managed to break the deadlock in the 93rd minute to give United another important win.
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A disappointing 0-0 draw at Old Trafford against Newcastle then followed for United, before they put in arguably their best performance under Ten Hag so far. United beat Tottenham 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes sealing the win.
Chelsea
Last 5 games: W, W, W, W, D
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Chelsea’s form since Graham Potter took over has been positive. His side beat AC Milan at Stamford Bridge 3-0, an important result in the context of their group.
Another 3-0 victory at home, this time in the Premier League against managerless Wolves, came next for Chelsea, before another victory over Milan followed, at the San Siro. They overcame the Italian Champions 2-0.
Potter’s side were also victorious against Aston Villa after two goals from Mason Mount helped them to a 2-0 win at Villa Park.
However, Chelsea were held 0-0 by Brentford on Wednesday, with Graham Potter’s side dropping two points, something which has helped United to close the gap to a single point going into Saturday’s game.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Chelsea
Joe Nuttall