Saturday’s Stamford Bridge showdown makes for exciting viewing as top four challengers Chelsea play hosts to arch rivals Manchester United.
The meeting between the fourth and fifth-placed sides in the Premier League table should make for a high-billed clash with Chelsea looking for a return to winning ways after their goalless stalemate midweek against Brentford.
Graham Potter remains unbeaten since taking over the top job at Stamford Bridge but the Chelsea head coach was sure to be left disappointed by his side failing to get the better of the Brentford backline in the west London derby.
Chelsea’s shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been in sensational form of late and the Spaniard’s display between the goalposts was key to the Blues gaining a point from their travels to Brentford on Wednesday night.
Manchester United, meanwhile, put out a convincing showing on home turf to ship two goals past Tottenham Hotspur with midfielders Fred and Bruno Fernandes on target for Eric ten Hag’s men.
The build-up to Saturday’s clash with Manchester United has been the subject of much talk with talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been under censure following Ten Hag’s appointment, set to be left out of the matchday squad.
Chelsea will look to get the better of a high-flying United side who were at their brilliant best in the win over Spurs despite Ronaldo’s absence and would be aiming for a repeat of their showing to climb up the standings.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date – Saturday 22 October 2022
Time – 6 PM GMT
Venue – Stamford Bridge
TEAM NEWS
Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech both made the bench for the Brentford clash and they are expected to be in the fray for selection come Saturday at the Bridge.
The Chelsea boss Potter dismissed fears over Conor Gallagher’s substitution 15 minutes into the game last time around and the midfield talent should find himself in the squad.
Changes are expected to be made to the Chelsea XI with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling and Mateo Kovacic pushing for recalls.
KEY BATTLE
Raheem Sterling vs Marcus Rashford
Two England international wide players, Sterling and Rashford, who will be important figures for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in the World Cup later this year will face off in Saturday’s game in the English capital.
While Sterling has adapted well to life in west London following his move from Manchester City in the summer, Rashford has emerged as United’s focal point of attack to great results with Ronaldo finding himself out of favour.
MATCH PREDICTION
It is a tough result to call out with Chelsea likely to find themselves under pressure going up against an in-form Manchester United side.
Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
