Man United fans here in the Tavern are in high spirits after yet another European win has them dreaming.
The Red Devils have been on the receiving end of some under par results of late, as many fans have been going into work on the receiving end of abuse. You all know how it is, lose at the weekend and your workmates will drub you for the foreseeable future.
However, after picking up a loss against Huddersfield, the Red Devils have never looked back as they endure an impressive 3 game winning streak. Having downed Spurs’ 11 game unbeaten run, momentum has finally entered the fray, as they look to replicate the unbeaten start they made.
Seeing the return of the Champions has given the United side an extra dimension to attack, as they go head to toe with yet another unbeaten run. They entertained Portuguese giants Benfica as they looked to take maximum points in their group. Having beaten them 1-0 in the away match, they managed to endure a dominant performance which saw them put two past the young goalkeeper.
Now looking to improve on things and carry their momentum forward, they face a tough task ahead, as they face a trip down to Stamford Bridge. Coming off the back of a 3-0 drubbing away at AS Roma, the Blues will need to pick themselves up quickly if they are to challenge. So as the game approaches, it will be the battle between two sides in a mixed style of form.
So here’s a look at the United line-up needed to bring home the result..
GK: David De Gea
The Spanish keeper has been performing to the highest quality for as long as he’s worn the red shirt. Proving himself to be one of the world’s best keepers, animals in the safari would be scared of this man’s cat-like reflexes.
No question about it, first name on the team sheet.
RB: Antonio Valencia
The pacey Ecuadorian has been one of the most consistent customers in the Premier League over the past few seasons, as he offers his lightning pace and muscular strength that makes him impossible to get past.
He’s going to need to be at his best to deal with the tricky Eden Hazard.
CB: Chris Smalling
The English centre-back has always been a regular for the Red Devils, offering the stability and consistency that is always warranted in any successful team, he’s done a fantastic job of keeping teams out.
As one of the regularly used centre-backs, he will be vital in shutting out a very dangerous Chelsea attack.
CB: Phil Jones
The babyfaced assassin has caused laughs for many over the years, but one thing that isn’t funny is his performance, as his aggressive style makes him difficult to pass.
Having forged a solid performance with Chris Smalling, it looks like it will have to be something special to pass them.
LB: Ashley Young
The newly transformed left-back has been one of their stand out players so far this season, as he has excelled at utilizing his pace to get him into the most dangerous of positions, while still offering the stability.
A new man under Mourinho as he looks to continuously improve his defensive game.
CM: Nemanja Matic
The former Chelsea man will be key against his old club, his magnificent on the ball ability allows him to maintain possession and find avenues further forward.
Having proved himself at the highest level, he’ll need to perform just as well against his former club.
CM: Ander Herrera
The Spanish midfielder has really come into his own this season, as regular starts from Mourinho has rewarded him in a constant, dogged like approach that has seen him terrorize many a midfield ragged.
Looking to continue his form, he will be vital in limiting Chelsea’s time on the ball.
RAM: Marcus Rashford
The United youngster has become one of the most promising forwards in world football. No matter the stage, this man will deliver. Using his terrifying pace and dazing trickery that gets so many defenders in all sorts of trouble.
One of the game changers that will need to perform if United are to win.
CAM: Henrik Mkhitaryan
The Armenian has been a revelation since joining the Red Devils, his trickery and agility makes him a tricky customer to come up against. Able to turn nothing into something, he is able to create opportunities in the tightest of spaces.
The magician will be looking to improve upon his fine form to trouble the Blues defence.
LAM: Anthony Martial
The French wonder kid has never been short of a natural born goalscorer for the Reds, part of the deadly front three that United are so potent with. His trickery, pace and deadly eye for goal, makes him the one to watch.
Having been on the scoresheet last time out, he will be looking to prove upon this.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
The ever-reliable Belgian forward has been in divine form so far this season as he stakes his claim as United’s top goalscorer. Offering an incredible sense of strength and aggression, while offering the pace and goal scoring instinct, he really has been a revelation for the club.
Having gone on a bit of a goal-scoring drought, he will be hoping to get back to his normal ways.
So United fans, is this the team to lead you to victory?
