Premier League 2018/19: 3 things Chelsea must do to beat Manchester United

Chelsea host Manchester United in Saturday’s early kick-off fixture as Premier League returns after the international break. Eight games in, Maurizio Sarri’s side are joint league leaders (with 20 points) alongside Manchester City and Liverpool. On the contrary, United have had an iffy start and are 7 points behind, languishing in eighth place.

The Blues have been somewhat of a surprise package at the top of the table after a new managerial appointment in the summer following the exit of Antonio Conte. Chelsea were expected to take some time to settle in and adapt to Sarri-ball; not only have they eased in quickly, but they are also unbeaten as yet.

Going by their form and style, there is no reason to believe that Sarri’s men can nick all 3 points against Jose Mourinho’s side. Here are 3 things we think the Blues must do to ensure that happens.

#3 Tactical organization vital

The visitors have had a sub-par start to the season but that is all the more reason the Blues boss must be wary of Mourinho and co. They want to get their season back on track and the Portuguese manager will be looking to do just that against his former employers.

United have pace and technique in their squad – Rashford and Martial are good users of their speed and with Pogba in midfield, anything is possible. Chelsea’s fullbacks will be kept busy and cannot afford to lapse in defensive concentration while going forward.

Chelsea have a strong back-line and their record-breaking goalkeeping import has done a great job so far. However, their high defensive line would mean the midfield will have a job on their hands to be efficient. With game time, the Blues’ central players are improving but there is no room for rustiness while playing host to a side desperate for a turnaround in fortunes.

Work-rate, communication and tracking back to ensure there is not too much space for the United forwards and attacking midfielders to exploit will be vital to Sarri’s tactics if he intends to get maximum points from this fixture.

#2 Eden Hazard must start

Hazard has been chief troublemaker vs. Chelsea’s opponents for a while now, and his blistering start to the season should see to it that he is picked to start against United.

He has scored in each of the Blues’ league fixtures this campaign bar one (0-0 vs. West Ham). During these, the forward has assisted 3 goals, taking his contribution to 10 goals from just 8 games played (of which 2 were off the bench).

Chelsea went into the break on the back of an exciting 1-1 draw at the Bridge against Liverpool, with Hazard scoring against the Reds for the second time in a week (after his League Cup winner sent Jurgen Klopp’s men crashing out of the tournament).

There is no doubt that United will be wary of Hazard and will try every trick in the book to keep him quiet. However, if there is someone who can break the wily ways of the Portuguese manager’s tactics and get the better of his defensive tactics, it would be Hazard.

Not only does the Chelsea number 10 have the requisite pace and skill, his form and confidence are also key factors going into the game. Hazard has what it would take to give Chelsea an early breakthrough and thereby, get the upper hand. It is therefore imperative that he makes the starting XI.

#1 Midfield key to success

Jorginho followed his former Napoli boss from Italy to the Premier League and has had a seamless transition. He was widely linked with a move to Manchester City during the summer but City’s loss has been the Blues’ gain if his start is anything to go by.

Sarri-ball relies on playing out from the back - the Italian’s passing range and vision have been crucial to the immediate success of his manager in a new country and league. He has the ability to envision a pass when there seems to be room for none initially; additionally, he is calm and controlled in possession and can work his socks off off-the-ball.

Playing in a 4-3-3 alongside Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’golo Kante have given the Blues midfield a new dimension.

Kante plays in a more advanced position and as with everything, has been good in attack too. While Chelsea cannot rely on him breaking up plays all the time unlike earlier, the trio have functioned together reasonably well in linking the defence and attack and are getting better with every game.

They will need to tick well - shield the defence and also make sure there is enough ball supply to the forwards to make something of – and will have a large part to play if a positive outcome is to be achieved.