5 reasons why Manchester United will destroy Chelsea

While Manchester City face Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday in what will be a big game, it's the clash between Manchester United and Chelsea that the neutrals are eagerly waiting for.

United's resurgence under Mourinho and Chelsea's surprisingly under-par season so far under Antonio Conte has made the stakes are higher ever than before. It is no secret that three points are of paramount importance for both masterminds.

In case of United, a win would give them a chance to keep the heat on Manchester City. As for Chelsea, another loss will certainly see Conte inching closer to the axe at Stamford Bridge.

It's a home game for Chelsea, but there is quite a lot of pressure on Conte and his side. Stamford Bridge no longer seems the fortress it was last season. Several factors might lead to them being outclassed by their rivals.

Let's take a look at the five reasons why United will emerge as the better team, thumping the Londoners to another defeat.

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#5 Jose Mourinho's tactical flexibility

Mourinho's return will add spice to the fixture

One of the reasons why Jose Mourinho is counted amongst the most elite managers in football is his ability with tactics on the pitch. The United boss is known to set up his teams by taking the weaknesses and strengths of his opponents into consideration. Even with five of their major players injured, United's depth offers them enough flexibility to face Chelsea.

United have used the 4-2-3-1 formation eight times this season, scoring 20 goals and garnering 6 wins. However, the Portuguese mastermind might as well continue with the 3-4-1-2 format he used against Tottenham, so as to provide support for the misfiring Romelu Lukaku up front.

Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia's marauding on the flanks to support both the attack and defence has resulted in United making 232 crosses this season, standing only second behind the 236 of Tottenham.

Ander Herrera was an effective performer against the Blues at Old Trafford last season, his marking of Eden Hazard garnering plenty of plaudits. His ability to defend as well as provide added pressure during the attack with his sleek passing abilities will give United an edge in the midfield. N'Golo Kante is yet unsure of return and should Conte go with Drinkwater and Bakayoko in the middle, there's no doubt Matic and Herrera will be the better duo of the two.

On the front-line, Mourinho can easily relax while glancing at the fire-power at his disposal. The 'Rashford-Martial Law' has taken the Premier League by fire, with both youngsters having 7 goals and 5 assists amongst themselves.

Out of the 23 goals scored in the Premier League, an incredible 11 have come in the last ten minutes, with Rashford and Martial being involved in them more than anyone else. Should Jose decide against playing the two together, the substitution will be the most crucial weapon for him in the fixture.

#4: Manchester United's sturdy defence

Jones and Bailly have formed a healthy partnership at the back

You have to give credit to the way Jones and Bailly have been performing for the Red Devils this season. Perhaps their partnership is the most crucial factor in United's defence.

United have the best defence in the Premier League by far, with 8 clean sheets out of 10 games and only 4 goals conceded. Considering Chelsea's underfire attack, the stats itself are a sign of worry for Antonio Conte's men.

Alvaro Morata has gone scoreless in the last six games in all competitions and Pedro has only 2 goals to boast in the 6 PL games he has featured in. Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta will try to add support on the flanks, but the duo will find it tough against Valencia and Young, who were stand-out performers against Tottenham last weekend, nullifying the threats from Serge Aurier and Dele Alli.

With such a sturdy defence to face, the Blues will find it hard to break the deadlock with their 52% shot accuracy against weaker defences than United this season. Even if they find the breakthrough, they will be put to the test against the world-class David De Gea.

As a result, the pressure piled on Chelsea due to the number of unsuccessful attempts will certainly help United in dominating the game against Conte's men.

#3: Chelsea's midfield woes

Nemanja Matic is being sorely missed at the Stamford Bridge

We need to talk about this now. A large share of Chelsea's underperforming pursuance is down to their problems in the heart of midfield.

With N'Golo Kante injured and doubtful, Conte is already biting his nails and urging the Frenchman to return for the clash against United. Despite his return to training after suffering thigh problems, the 26-year-old was excluded from the squad that faced Roma.

Antonio Conte has two good defensive midfielders in Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko. However, he knows Kante will be the most influential midfielder in Chelsea's attempt to thwart United.

Chelsea's out of the blue sale of Nemanja Matic left the football world flabbergasted. Manchester United have transformed into a team worth being feared with Matic's timely arrival. While the Blues have lost their balance and depth in the midfield, they have been heavily trolled for shipping off the Serbian, let alone to their direct rivals.

Matic already boasts the highest number of ball recoveries in the PL this season, with 90 to his credit. There's no tinge of doubt the midfielder will be an intimidating presence against his former club on Sunday.

#2: Manchester United's stellar attack

Romelu Lukaku will be aiming at breaking his six-game goal-less steak

It's no secret that United's firepower has lost some of its sharpness in recent weeks, with Lukaku not firing on all cylinders as usual. In spite of all this, United have found a way to score goals and win points, something they will aim to do at the Stamford Bridge.

Marcus Rashford has taken on the mantle for United in their last few matches.The 20-year-old forward has been impressive, considering his contributions to United in October.

Gary Neville recently suggested that Jose Mourinho should unleash the trio of Rashford, Martial and Lukaku against Chelsea, owing to the Blues' weak displays in defence. The Portuguese gaffer might as well heed the former United legend at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku might not be scoring, but he is still getting in the positions to get chances. Should Sunday turn out to be his day, Chelsea's abysmal defence is in for big trouble with the Belgian spearheading the United offence. Martial and Rashford will certainly offer their services, and who knows, Mourinho might emerge out of the Bridge with a smile.

#1: Chelsea lack desire and confidence

Chelsea have showed a deficiency of desire and confidence in their latest displays

Perhaps, the most crucial point to discuss for today's fixture - Chelsea's lack of desire, coupled with their sloppy form have raised many questions.

Let's take a look at the Champions League game against Roma. Despite conceding twice in the first half, Antonio Conte criticized his players for their lacklustre performance in the next 45 minutes. The Italian gaffer was thoroughly infuriated by Chelsea's diminishing fire to claw back the game.

Where a win would have provided a boost in confidence for the Blues, extra pressure has been piled over Conte's men following the 3-0 loss in Rome. They have also lacked stability in their performances over the recent weeks.

A major reason for their lack of confidence on the pitch is Conte's changing tactics and rotations. For example, let's take a look at Chelsea's defence. The Chelsea boss has been constantly rotating his three-man defence, instead of allowing them time to settle. In turn, the lack of stability is clearly visible, with the Blues having conceded 10 goals, only achieving 4 clean sheets in 10 games this season.

Even in the Premier League, the Blues have been off colour, having lost three times and drawn once. If Chelsea put up a repeat telecast of their mid-week misery at the Bridge, Conte will emerge as the biggest loser following the fixture.