Man Utd vs Chelsea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Manchester United entertain run-away leaders Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in this weekends big Premier League clash.

United boss Louis van Gaal is confident his side can get themselves back into the title race despite being held to a 2-2 draw away at West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

That result has left the 20-time champions down in seventh-place in the league and a full 10 points adrift of Chelsea so they are going to have to inflict a first defeat of the season on Jose Mourinho’s men if they want to get themselves back in the hunt.

The Blues have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, winning seven and drawing the other of their eight games so far to ensure they lead the way at this early stage of the campaign.

The latest victory came with a hard fought 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend with Oscar and Cesc Fabregas both scoring fine goals to beat their London rivals and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

With Man City losing earlier today, Mourinho will be desperate to take full advantage by securing a win at Old Trafford to extend their lead over the Citizens to eight points.

Team news

United will be without skipper Wayne Rooney as he serves the final of his three-game ban following his sending off against West Ham earlier this month.

Angel Di Maria has been passed fit despite picking up a minor knock last time out while Ander Herrera has also been declared fit to start despite a niggling rib problem.

Radamel Falcao is expected to come back in to the starting eleven with Adnan Januzaj the man most likely to make way.

Michael Carrick isn’t in contention as he continues to work his way back to full fitness following five months out.

Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of star striker Diego Costa as he battles with a troublesome hamstring strain but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start on Sunday.

Loic Remy is out with a groin injury but Ramires, Andre Schurrle and John Obi Mikel could all return to the squad.

Cesar Azpilicueta is suspended following his sending off against Crystal Palace last weekend so Filipe Luis will start at left-back.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Diego Costa: If the Spaniard is fit, he’ll be a key threat in this game. With nine goals already, Costa has proven he’s a potent finisher and United will have to stop the supply lines to the striker if they want to get anything from the game.

Predicted Score

Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea: Obviously Chelsea are flying high and if anyone’s going to win I’d say it would be the Blues, but United are also a formidable force going forward and if they can keep it tight at the back I think they might just get something from the game and a draw wouldn’t be a bad result for the visitors either.

What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score for the game?