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United travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea in an early lunchtime kick-off on Saturday. The Red Devils have had a stop-start season so far. In patches this season, they have looked like a team that will go on and challenge for the Premier League title, while in others they have looked terribly disappointing.
United have especially been overpowered when they have taken on London teams such as West Ham and Tottenham this season, losing 3-1 and 3-0 at the London stadium and Old Trafford respectively. Chelsea is another team based in London, so it has another defeat for Jose Mourinho written all over this game, according to bookmakers.
On the other hand, Chelsea is a club that is riding high and still one of the three teams yet to taste defeat this season in the EPL alongside table-toppers Manchester City and Liverpool. The "Sarri- ball" effect has indeed revolutionized the Chelsea team. They are playing some very good football at the moment with the player of the season so far, Eden Hazard pulling the strings for the Blues.
There are quite a number of things that could be crucial if either of the teams hope to get a positive result on Saturday.
#1 Juan Mata must start the game
More often than not, the Spaniard has endured some frustrating time on the bench. Jose Mourinho's preference of the trio of Matic, Pogba and Lingard or sometimes Fellaini seems to be mind-boggling at times.
The Portuguese's knack for being defensive minded when picking out his teams has come under intense scrutiny from fans.
The Spaniard is virtually United's most creative midfielder, maybe next to Paul Pogba. With him and Pogba in the middle and Matic sitting in front of the defense line, United can hope to be more creative in the final third.
As shown in the game against Newcastle, the Spaniard sparked the team's comeback and should start ahead of Lingard or McTominay.
United are going to be heading to Stamford Bridge, looking to defensively compact as ever especially with Jose Mourinho who is adept at setting his team up to be compact.
#2 The Sarri-ball effect
Chelsea's propensity to keep possession allowing their opponent to wear out as well as the high pressing tactics has been the hallmark of the Italian manager Maurizio Sarri.
So Chelsea will have to patient, passing the ball fast to exploit any holes or gaps that United might create as the game wears on. Sarri's tactics could well turn out to prove the deciding factor of this high profile clash.
#3 Olivier Giroud could be key for Chelsea
One of the Frenchman's strength is his ability to link up with attacking wingers as well as his aerial ability. If Giroud is given time in the box for those one-twos with the likes of Hazard and Willian, they could punish United.
However, there would have to enough support for the Frenchman who is not particularly good at holding the ball outside the 18-yard box and linking with other attacking players.
On the other hand, inside the box, the Frenchman can be dangerous with his knockdown and link-up plays.
#4 The Ex-players' factor
The comeback against Newcastle could prove to be the turning point for United this season. Alexis Sanchez is still a player who could be a threat on his day. Whatever the case, this game is delicately poised and promises to be an interesting game.
As seen in some games over the years, players are usually extra-motivated when facing their old clubs. United could have all three Chelsea former players start Saturday's game, with the likes of Matic, Lukaku and Mata in their ranks. They could be extra psyched up to get a positive result out of the game which could decide the outcome.
All in all, it looks more likely a Chelsea win, owing to the fact that United haven't won on this ground since 2012. However, United cannot be written off, they still have players who can make the difference on their day.
