Premier League 2018/19
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Saturday, October 20
th
Stamford Bridge, London
Kick-off at 12:30pm GMT
One of three teams neck-and-neck at the summit of the
English Premier League, Chelsea, welcome former manager Jose Mourinho and his Manchester United side to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kick-off for what is set to be an epic showdown in the capital.
Maurizio Sarri has masterminded a wondrous start to the season for the Blues since joining from Italian side Napoli in the summer. Chelsea, along with Manchester City and Liverpool, all remain unbeaten after their opening eight league matches and sit level on 20 points at the top of the table with the trio only separated on goal difference. Central to Chelsea’s early success has most certainly been Eden Hazard. The Belgian winger has been in blistering form, banging in seven goals while notching up a further three assists as well.
Chelsea recent results: (all competitions)
07/10/2018 – Southampton 0-3 Chelsea
04/10/2018 – Chelsea 1-0 Videoton (UEL)
29/09/2018 – Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
26/08/2018 – Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea (CC)
Jose Mourinho could be set for a baptism of fire at his old home on Saturday, considering his sides stuttering start to the season which saw Manchester United lose four of their first nine games in all competitions including a disappointing defeat at Old Trafford against Championship outfit Derby County in the third round of the Carabao Cup. United came back from two goals down to win 3-2 against Newcastle before the international break to reignite memories of the Red Devils at their fiery best in Sir Alex’s glory years.
Manchester United recent results: (all competitions)
06/10/2018 – Man United 3-2 Newcastle
02/10/2018 – Man United 0-0 Valencia (UCL)
29/09/2018 – West Ham 3-1 Man United
25/09/2018 – Man United 2-2 Derby County* (CC)
*Derby County won 8-7 on penalties
United have a serious uphill battle on their hands if they are to return home to the Theatre of Dreams with maximum points on Saturday. They have won just one of their last 10 matches at Stamford Bridge in all competitions – a thrilling 3-2 victory in October 2012 in what was Ferguson’s final season in charge.
Alvaro Morata’s solitary header was the difference between the sides when the pair clashed in the corresponding fixture last season. Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard each scored in the return fixture in February, winning 2-1 after Willian had given the visitors the lead. The duo’s last meeting resulted in an FA Cup triumph for the departing Antonio Conte with Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty enough to seal the victory.
Chelsea vs Manchester United head-to-head: (last seven)
19/05/2018 – Chelsea 1-0 Man United (FAC)
25/02/2018 – Man United 2-1 Chelsea
05/11/2017 – Chelsea 1-0 Man United
16/04/2017 – Man United 2-0 Chelsea
13/03/2017 – Chelsea 1-0 Man United (FAC)
23/10/2016 – Chelsea 4-0 Man United
07/02/2016 – Chelsea 1-1 Man United