da betcris： Jose Mourinho versus Antonio Conte is nearing its second instalment. After Chelsea drubbed Manchester United in their first meeting earlier this season, the Red Devils have gone on a run of two defeats in 31 matches as they have rebuilt their season from an early slumber.
da cassino online： With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and having played in the depths of Russia on Thursday night, Manchester United are in a far worse situation than Chelsea coming into this game. Although Mourinho has made it clear he will play a strong team, rotation is surely guaranteed after such a Europa League adventure on a woeful pitch.
Stamford Bridge will be rocking for a Monday night kick-off with a spot in a Wembley semi-final at stake. Some of the country’s best footballers will be going head-to-head with two equally excitable managers in the dugouts, its set to be a classic.
Stamford Bridge will be rocking for a Monday night kick-off with a spot in a Wembley semi-final at stake. Some of the country’s best footballers will be going head-to-head with two equally excitable managers in the dugouts, its set to be a classic.
The outcome of the match, however, will be decided by these three duels…
Rashford v Cahill
Chelsea are expected to be at full strength for the visit of Manchester United, meaning that Gary Cahill is the player Marcus Rashford should target. Rashford will surely start in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the boy wonder from last season must be shrewd against an organised Chelsea defence.
His fearlessness with the ball at his feet and pace make him the ideal player to trouble Cahill. After a tough campaign last season, Cahill has been back to his best for Chelsea this season but he remains vulnerable to direct runners in the channels.
N’Golo Kante v Ander Herrera
Although they may not clash too often directly in midfield, the competition between Herrera and Kante will be fierce. Both are key to breaking up play for their side and quickly releasing possession to their more gifted team-mates.
Kante will harass whoever is playing in Manchester United’s attacking midfield position, while Herrera will be tasked with picking up Eden Hazard or Pedro when they drop into the spaces between the lines.
Two tenacious midfielders could define how this game flows. Should Kante continue at his best levels, any play for Manchester United will quickly be broken up. Herrera, on the other hand, must be secure to allow Paul Pogba the freedom to drive forwards.
Eden Hazard v Antonio Valencia
The thought that if you can stop Hazard you stop Chelsea is outdated, but keeping the magnificent Belgian quiet will certainly aid Manchester United’s cause.
Their trouble is that they rely on Antonio Valencia to provide the width in attack down the right flank, which could leave them vulnerable to Hazard running at their central defenders.
Valencia’s attacking prowess, though, could be a real threat to Chelsea and may force Hazard to do a rare bit of defensive work (something he has been relieved of since the switch to 3-4-3). If Valencia can isolate Alonso down that flank, Manchester United could expose a weakness that Manchester City targeted earlier this season.