3 reasons why Chelsea will overwhelm Manchester United on Saturday

Phil Jones challenging Eden Hazard (2017/18 FA Cu Final)
Phil Jones challenging Eden Hazard (2017/18 FA Cu Final)

The Premier League is set to witness one of its biggest fixtures of the season when Manchester United travel to the Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday. Both teams have endured contrasting starts to the season so far, with the Blues currently seven points ahead of Jose Mourinho’s men.

Also, the Blues have made an unbeaten start to the season, having won six and drawn two of their opening eight Premier League games. This is a run that has propelled the London club to the 2nd spot on the Premier League table – a position they occupy with 20 points alongside Liverpool and Manchester City.

But at the moment, everything that is happening at Chelsea is the opposite of what Manchester United is facing. The Red Devils have made a shaky start to the season and currently occupy the 10th position on the league log. There is also a reported unrest between Mourinho and some senior players in the team, culminating in high tensions.

Saturday’s game, therefore, pitches two clubs that are heading different directions. And Maurizio Sarri’s side will head into the fixture as the undisputed favourites. For a club that is yet to taste defeat in all competitions this season, the Blues have every right to feel confident going into this encounter.

Below are three reasons why Chelsea will wallop Man United in Saturday’s fixture:


#3 Manchester United has a poor record at Stamford Bridge

Man United haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 2013
Man United haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 2013

For some reason, Manchester United always seem to struggle when playing against Chelsea. The Blues remain the club with the most wins against the Old Trafford outfit in the Premier League era. In 52 games played, Chelsea have won 18, United winning 15, with 19 ending in draws.

More worrying for the Red Devils is the fact that they have a pretty poor record when it comes to games at Stamford Bridge. Since 1992, United has managed to record an appalling five wins at the Stamford Bridge when it comes to league games.

The Blues simply appear to possess the antidote to anything their Manchester rivals offer. Even under Jose Mourinho, the Red Devils have lost all three of their visits to Stamford Bridge – two coming in the league and another in the FA Cup.

Such a poor record in London looks very likely to continue when Chelsea welcomes Manchester United over this weekend. Already, Mourinho’s side has not been convincing this season, and that only increases Chelsea’s chances of recording another victory over Manchester United on Saturday.

#2 Chelsea has a better form

Chelsea has made an unbeaten start to the season
Chelsea has made an unbeaten start to the season

Another reason why Chelsea look very likely to win this game is because the Blues are generally on a better form compared to Manchester United. The Blues are yet to lose a game this season in all competitions, with the club recording a flawless run in the Premier League, EFL Cup and the Europa League.

On the contrary, Man United are sitting on tenterhooks at the moment, with their season threatening to fall apart. After eight league games, the Red Devils are outside the top four, with both results and the football on display being very disappointing.

Form-wise, Chelsea are completely superior. One could argue that the Red Devils will come into the game on the back of a morale-boosting win over Newcastle United and therefore would have momentum on their side. However, Mourinho’s men have proven time without number how inconsistent they can be.

This is a side with so many underperforming stars and it is difficult to see how such a disjointed squad could match up to the well-oiled machine that Chelsea have become. Under Maurizio Sarri, the Blues have simply been phenomenal and United could become their latest victims this weekend.

#1 Manchester United’s defensive game will suit Chelsea perfectly

United has conceded 13 goals in 8 league games this season
United has conceded 13 goals in 8 league games this season

There is a reason why many Manchester United fans are approaching this game with a lot of pessimism. Under Jose Mourinho, the football at Old Trafford has simply been dull and boring. Man United barely attack teams these days, with the Portuguese often employing overly defensive tactics.

Such a system, though, will play perfectly into Chelsea’s philosophy. Maurizio Sarri’s side love to keep possession and sitting deep will only mean United inviting unnecessary pressure onto themselves. Factor in the fact that the Red Devils have a very porous defence, and it is clear that everything suits Chelsea perfectly.

Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Co. have already conceded 13 goals from eight Premier League games this season, and one wonders how they will be able to contain the in-form Eden Hazard. This is a defence that struggled against Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic, how will they resist the magical Belgian?

As pragmatic as Mourinho is, the Portuguese is likely to set up his side to soak the pressure and play on the counter. But conceding the first goal would definitely mean game over. Knowing Mourinho is unlikely to change his approach to such big games, Chelsea should be relishing this encounter, as it suits their style perfectly.

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Edited by Raunak J