It's that time of the year again. Manchester United travel to the Bridge with the hope of finding points at a ground that hasn't always been kind to them. United, however, have the advantage on their side owing to Mourinho's knowledge of Chelsea and the team he was unceremoniously sacked from a year after winning the title.
The Special One returns to the place that made him a global phenomenon in the management world. The dynamics of this season still need to be identified for both teams but this clash is one both fans look forward to with fervour. This season especially, the game is an important one for both teams as they have not started as well as they expected to.
Here are five things that Manchester United must do if they are to beat the Blues:
#1 Stop the speedsters up-front
If there's one thing Chelsea can almost always count on, it's a performance from their high-flying forwards – Eden Hazard and Willian. The two are fast, superb dribblers and have a great eye for goal. United's defenders will have to put in an extra shift if they are to ensure these two are not on song.
The two players have started the season in brilliant fashion sharing a total of 5 goals between them. Willian is coming back into the squad following the death of his mother and the team will be bolstered by his presence back in the squad.
#2 Stop the beast
Chelsea can boast of having one of the most in-form and lethal strikers in world football. The worrying part for United is that Diego Costa seems to have added a newer dimension to his game and has bags of goals to show in contrast to his sometimes over-the-top aggression.
On his day, he is one of the most unplayable forwards in the league and on current form (7 goals and 2 assists in 8 games), Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling have their task cut out. United might try to rile him up and get him sent off, because that could be the only best way to keep Costa out of the game.
#3 Win the midfield battle
After United’s game against Liverpool, Ander Herrera will almost be a sure starter. The Spaniard was all over Anfield, winning tackles, spraying passes and breaking down play.
Chelsea too, have N’Golo Kante who has abundant bags of energy and the way these two dictate the game all over the ground will be essential to a victory. How the big boys – Fellaini (if he starts) and Matic perform too needs to be seen. United need to work their way around the 3-4-3 if they are to make any sort of penetration at the Bridge.
Victor Moses too seems to have found his footing back in the Premier League and the way Chelsea line up against United this weekend looks to have all the pointers toward a fantastic tactical battle.
#4 Get Mata to work his magic
When Juan Mata is on song, there are few players who are as beautiful to watch as him. The player can drift in from the right as well as play incisive passes through the middle.
Returning to Stamford Bridge as an important player in Mourinho's squad will be hard for Chelsea to digest and a great performance could be even harder. Mata has a sterling forward line to supply to and Ibrahimovic and Rashford could benefit with his presence.
He did miss the Liverpool game though that was more from a tactical viewpoint more than fitness. Players like Mata relish the big occasion and even though he hasn’t scored against Chelsea after moving up North, the Blues will be wary of the Spanish magician.
#5 The real Pogba should show up
£89 million is one tag that will always follow him and Pogba still hasn’t done enough to get that tag off his back. If Paul Pogba shows up and displays more than just glimpses, then United will win this game. However, that is easier said than done. It is worth noting that Pogba played further forward against Liverpool with Herrera and Fellaini deployed in the centre.
Pogba was once again peripheral against Liverpool and the pressure seems to be adding up. Will he finally live up to his big name billing in one of the biggest league games of them all or will he wither away remains to be seen.
Form does seem to be suiting Chelsea at the moment but all it takes is one moment of brilliance to make a difference. Pogba is one of those players who certainly have that ability and whether he shows up remains to be seen.
Thus, we see five points where United can win the battle against Chelsea. United’s depth in squad gives them a further advantage. With Mourinho returning to his old stomping ground where he's had a stellar record, Chelsea will have to be on their toes to win this game.
It will be a brilliant tactical battle with both Conte and Mourinho relying heavily on the finer details to win this game. A great match is on the cards for the fans watching.
