Manchester United’s mini revival was brought to a halt last week after the Red Devils only managed a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
Although United did well in the match, their attack lacked a bit of cutting edge while the shaky backline proved to be their Achilles Heel once again. In the end, the draw was probably a fair result and a point against a tough side away from home has to be considered a positive.
United were disappointing against West Brom
However, the real test of Manchester United’s credentials will be this weekend as they welcome all conquering Chelsea to Old Trafford.
Given the contrasting fortunes of the two sides, Chelsea are clear favourites heading into the game but matches between these two rivals are never as straightforward as it seems and one can surely expect fireworks from the clash.
A win for United on the day will be a morale boosting one and could well rejuvenate the Red Devils back into life but on the other side of the coin, a defeat will compound more misery on the fallen giants of English football.
Goalkeeper
De Gea will have to play very well if United are to get anything out of the game against Chelsea
David De Gea did not have much to do during the game against West Bromwich Albion and was not at fault for the two goals that he conceded.
With the wonderful attacking Chelsea side set to pay a visit this weekend though, one can be sure that the Spaniard will be busy this time around and will certainly have to perform well in order to keep the Blues at bay.
While De Gea has been earning a lot of plaudits in recent times, the goalkeeper will have to step up to the plate for United to have a chance of getting anything from the game – especially with the defensive line in front of him looking very weak.
Defence
As is the story so often this season, Manchester United’s weak backline let them down once again against West Bromwich Albion and manager Louis van Gaal would certainly not have been pleased.
Now up against a brilliant Chelsea attack, many fear that if United’s backline do not improve – they will be in for a hammering. Van Gaal does not have too many options at the back to choose from though and will most likely stick with the quartet that started against the Baggies.
Phil Jones needs to do better in defence
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo look the most likely combination in at centre back while Chris Smalling will also be in contention after starting on the bench last week.
Rafael should continue at right back but Smalling could also feature if van Gaal decides to go with a defensive approach and on the left young Luke Shaw will most likely start against his boyhood club.
Midfield
Van Gaal surprisingly elected to start with Adnan Januzaj for the clash against West Brom last time out but following his ineffectual performance, the young man looks set to be dropped this weekend.
Daley Blind has been Mr. Consistent at the heart of the United midfield and looks set to be a certain starter while superstar Angel Di Maria will be the key man in unlocking the Chelsea backline from his role on the left wing.
Fellaini could be handed a start against Chelsea
Juan Mata will have a point to prove against his former side as well as to the Manchester United fans following a poor run of form and the Spaniard will most likely be deployed in a playmaker role behind the two strikers.
Ander Herrera was woeful against West Brom last week and it was clear that the midfielder had not recovered sufficiently from his injury. As a result, Herrera looks set to be dropped for the clash against Chelsea and in his place, the trio of Marouane Fellaini, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick will all be pushing for a start.
Attack
Falcao is set to be unleashed against Chelsea
Radamel Falcao was a surprise exclusion from the lineup last week but will most certainly make a start against Chelsea. Having scored a brilliant hat trick against the Blues a few years ago, the Colombian superstar will undoubtedly be a big threat to the Chelsea backline.
Alongside Falcao, Robin van Persie should get the nod to start despite his poor run of form of late. The Dutchman has been a shadow of his former self this season but there is no doubting his quality and he will be a danger to the Blues’ backline as well.
(4-1-2-1-2)
(Via – Lineupbuilder)
