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Manchester United vs Chelsea is here, and it’s not a fixture most fans are looking forward to in the Red half of Manchester. United need a win to have any hope of keeping up with the current league leaders, but is it possible to get three points at Stamford Bridge for the first time since the 2012/13 season? How will United go about doing that? Who does Jose start?
Let us know your answer to those questions in the polls and in the comments!
Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez has continued his poor form at United this season, but he did provide the winning goal in the uplifting 3-2 comeback win against Newcastle United. Is that enough to earn Alexis a starting spot in the squad on Saturday, or does he have more to do before he’s restored to the starting lineup?
Poll
Should Alexis Sanchez start against Chelsea?
This poll is closed
-
14%
Yes, start him over Martial on the left.
(17 votes) -
25%
Yes, start him on the right.
(30 votes) -
21%
Yes, start him over Lukaku at striker.
(25 votes) -
38%
No, keep him as a substitute.
(45 votes)
Formation
Jose Mourinho seems to be leaning towards a loose 4-3-3 formation that can adapt to the flow of the game defensively. It worked when it needed to in the second half against Newcastle, but the defense continues to let goals in. Should the gameplan change to account for Chelsea’s potent attack, or should it stay the same in the hopes that form improves?
Poll
Which formation should United use against Chelsea?
This poll is closed
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58%
4-3-3 (Unchanged from Newcastle)
(58 votes) -
23%
4-2-3-1
(23 votes) -
14%
3-5-2
(14 votes) -
5%
Other (Describe in comments)
(5 votes)
Central Defense
Manchester United’s defense has been abysmal this season. Eric Bailly has looked to have fallen off after being United’s most reliable defender for 2 years, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof have failed to impress in his place, and Phil Jones has again fallen victim to frustrating injuries that keep him on the sideline. Unfortunately youth players are the only reinforcements available at the moment, but there are midfielders such as Nemanja Matic who could also fill in. How should United lineup against Chelsea defensively?
Poll
How should United lineup against Chelsea Defensively?
This poll is closed
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57%
Back Four: Pairing of either Bailly, Lindelof, or Smalling
(52 votes) -
15%
Back Four: Pairing of either Bailly, Lindelof, Smalling, or a midfielder (Matic, McTominay, etc.)
(14 votes) -
13%
Back Three: Bailly, Lindelof, and Smalling
(12 votes) -
5%
Back Three: Combo of Bailly, Lindelof, Smalling, or Matic
(5 votes) -
7%
Other (Comment Below)
(7 votes)
Jose Mourinho
The Special One’s performance as manager has been under fire for some time, but not it seems as though letting him go is a real possibility for the club. United’s start to the season is far from ideal for a club that is expected to challenge for the title. Should they lose to Chelsea it would further suppress hopes of silverware this season and worsen morale ahead of crucial fixtures against Juventus in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League. Should a loss to Chelsea be the final nail in the coffin for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United career, or is their still hope for this season?
Poll
Should Jose Mourinho be sacked if United lose to Chelsea?
This poll is closed
-
23%
Yes, sack him immediately.
(28 votes) -
36%
Yes, but not until a suitable replacement is found.
(44 votes) -
40%
No, he should not be sacked.
(48 votes)
Game Prediction
Finally, we’d like you to predict your outcome of the match. Feel free to post your prediction with a scoreline in the comments.
Poll
Predict the result for Manchester United vs. Chelsea
This poll is closed
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22%
Manchester United Win
(34 votes) -
60%
Chelsea Win
(89 votes) -
16%
Draw
(25 votes)