Blues Of London vs Reds Of Manchester: Things To Watch Out For
Reuters / Eddie Keogh
It is the clash of the weekend, and boy it is a mega one indeed! It is a match that in the days gone by was of utmost importance in the course of the season while the clubs chased silverware, and though the stakes might not be that high this time around, the intensity, drama, and action will certainly be similar, if not greater, bigger, and better.
With star studded line ups, accomplished managers, and a history to boast about with humongous fan bases, Old Trafford is ready to host a classic Premier League spectacle on the 16th of March, when Chelsea come visiting.
In a match of such magnitude, here are a few things to look out for in Super Sunday’s epic battle:
1. Hot and Fiery Revenge:
Revenge is usually a dish best served cold, but it is fair to say Manchester United and Jose Mourinho will be itching to avenge their 4-0 thumping at the hands of the London Club at Stamford Bridge, which came back in the reverse fixture played on 23rd October, 2016.
The Red Devils were humiliated and torn apart by a tactical masterclass display put up by Antonio Conte’s men, and that result was enough to prove that Mourinho and his squad are not yet ready to be title contenders this season, while Chelsea are almost within touching distance to claim the coveted trophy.
However, that defeat seemed to have brought United together as a team who have gone on an unbeaten run in the league ever since, and have slowly but steadily climbed their way up to stay in contention for a top 4 finish. The home side might not be favourites in the tie, and a 4-0 scoreline may be impossible to achieve, but a victory will be much welcome by the fans, and how it comes will not matter.
2. Strikers – Goals Galore:
Reuters / John Sibley
Not many strikers in the league are as good as the two that will be battling it out on the pitch during this gigantic fixture. Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Diego Costa have had their haters and doubters criticise and question them at the start and through the course of the season. But all of that has not been enough to stop them from putting in stellar performances for their teams, and being the main man when it comes to finding the back of the net and securing points for the club they play for.
The two boast identical records this season with 17 goals and 5 assists to each’s name, and with aggression and attitude being a part of their game in an almost identical manner, it will probably be the highlight of the match.
Joining them will be the likes of Rashford, Hazard, Lingard, Pedro and similar fast-minded and pacy players who love dribbling past defenders, and try their best to be involved on the scoresheets as regularly as possible.
3. Battle Of The Golden Glove:
Reuters / Lee Smith
It is a contest that will see both the goal posts protected by shot stoppers of the highest order, who might be the best in the league to say the least, if not the world.
De Gea has been United’s player of the season for the past 3 years, and Courtois has been a wall not many oppositions have been able to break down in the recent years, and with both coming to England from Atletico Madrid, the Premier League has been graced by the best in the business.
Thibaut Courtois is currently leading the race for the golden glove with 13 clean sheets to his name already this term, thanks to a super strong defensive unit, but Spanish rival De Gea is not that far behind, with a tally of 11 and an eagerness to claim the prize this time, after having missed out last season only through a last minute Smalling own goal.
A win for Chelsea will see them inch that much closer to a much deserved Premier League title for the football they have displayed under Antonio Conte, but a win for the home side will give them confidence in the largest amounts, and put them right into the mixture for a top 4 finish.
A must win game for the home side, one can say, but Chelsea are league leaders for a reason. A match we cannot await, do not miss out on this one.