Date: 25th August 2013 at 10:46pm
Written by:
"Roooooney!!"

Will Rooney get a warm home reception?

As we go into the tenth day of the new Barclays Premier League we are faced with the first big meeting of the season as two of last season’s top four come together. The last time these two sides met, the Reds had already won the championship, with the Blues still chasing a Champions League qualifying place. The game ended in a 1-0 loss for United after a deflected finish from Juan Mata in the 87th minute.

United

The Reds began their season with an impressive 4-1 win over Swansea last weekend at the Liberty Stadium. With the Swans being quite impressive at home last season, the game could have been gone either way for the champions. Facing Chelsea will certainly be a big test for new manager Moyes, who hosts the Blues for his first home game as Manchester United manager. Previous to this his side have faced relegated Wigan Athletic and Swansea City, teams that many would argue are not real challenges for United. However with Mourinho back in the driving seat at Chelsea, the game on Monday evening will provide a more accurate measure of just what Moyes’ men can do.

A central figure in this game will of course be Wayne Rooney. After an entire summer of speculation over a Chelsea move, whether the striker starts, is a substitute or is nowhere to be seen, all eyes will certainly be on him, adding to the already electric atmosphere that is expected to welcome the new manager to his new home.

United are still without Young (ankle/foot), Hernandez (hamstring), Nani (groin/pelvis) and of course Fletcher, all of which have no return dates yet. Rafael’s suspension is now over but the Brazilian is still out with a hamstring injury, although he is expected to return to fitness by 14th September.

Chelsea

After success in Italy and what can only be described as a confusing and disappointing spell with Real Madrid, the ‘Special One’ has returned to Stamford Bridge after a six year absence. Mourinho’s side have got off to a great start with a 2-0 victory over Hull City last weekend. The Blues also sealed another win over Aston Villa on Wednesday, with the extra mid-week game being set up to make space for Chelsea’s clash with Bayern Munich in the European Super Cup.

Thanks to the mid-week game, many could say that the Reds have the upper hand with Chelsea potentially being fatigued from their extra game, however with the season only just beginning, it may have worked in the Blues’ favour, improving the match fitness of Mourinho’s side.

Chelsea have only two injury worries, with Kalas being out until December with a broken leg and David Luiz who is out with a hamstring injury, however a late fitness test could mean that the Brazilian could feature on Monday evening.

Referee:

Taking charge will be Martin Atkinson, who United fans will know as the ref who gave us a little extra ‘Fergie Time’ in that 4-3 win against Manchester City back in 2009. With 11 seasons of experience under his belt Atkinson is one of the most qualified officials in the game. The Reds last saw him in January in a 2-2 draw against West Ham in the FA Cup.

Facts:

In 42 Premier League games between the two clubs, United have won 13, Chelsea have won 14 and there have been 15 draws.

Manchester United lost three Premier League games at home last season – their highest number of league losses at home since the 2003/04 season.

In the 42 Premier League games between the two sides, only three have been goalless draws (April 1995, December 1998, May 2007).

The highest-scoring match between the two clubs was a 6-5 Manchester United win at Stamford Bridge in October 1954.

Wherever you’re watching the game, enjoy it!

Follow me on Twitter, @AngelinaKelly

 

9 responses to “Match Preview Manchester United v Chelsea”

  1. albert keneth says:

    we will win the game against the blues

  2. joshua otomewo says:

    manunited wil definitely deal wit mourinho’s men on monday nyt at oldtrafford.unitd r beta team bcus of d history made in d game…up united

  3. Dijavubaba1 says:

    I wish man utd could win the game since been the first home

  4. Paul gabriel says:

    Wether the two managers( moyes and mourinho will be playin a mind game or not i dont care, the point is the game will be higly electrifying considering the calibers of players the two side will be parading, i expect to welbeck and van persie startin for man u while rooney will come in from the bench. for chelsea, i expect to see the likes of lukaku, torres or demba ba startin. Do not blink tomorrow cos if u do, u will miss out!

  5. edo says:

    Blues owned uniteUnited last year and will own them this year as well…2:0 blues

  6. sadiq inseries says:

    mancharster united manager moyes I you leave rooney go to chalsea you must sing this players that iam going to caunt mata,ozil,fellini,fabrigas,bains if not it is difficult. go won the trophy

  7. Alamu kehinde says:

    My prediction; manu 1 chealsea 0(goal courtesy, phil jones, 15minutes.

  8. IG says:

    Jose Mourinho was a liar from childhood & he is still a liar up to date. Sir Alex Ferguson deceived him into thinking he would manage Manchester United when Sir Alex retires. That was the beginning of their friendship. Sorry Mou,nonsense!

  9. Nick Cameron says:

    Go for the early goal!

    Alot of unanswered questions, will be interesting to see the midfield dynamics of United, will Kagawa or Zaha start? Will Wazza play alongside RvP up top? Could Mourinho be anymore bitter about not getting the United job