Manchester United vs. Chelsea: 3 Key Battles That Could Decide The Crucial Game

Manchester United vs. Chelsea: 3 Key Battles

One manager is on the cusp of leaving his post while another one just taking the reins till the end of the season, not many would have expected Manchester United and Chelsea to struggle as much as they have all season. The first game of the second half the season sees these two heavyweights battle it out, but it isn’t for a place at the top of the league.

Manchester United are struggling to find any sort of form and lost their four consecutive games, this time at the hands of Stoke. Louis van Gaal is feeling the pressure to do well at the club and he could well be out of a job if he doesn’t get the right result at home against the Blues.

Chelsea aren’t faring any better and new manager Guus Hiddink saw the club battle for a 2-2 draw against Watford but will be a little pleased with the overall display, especially of the forward, Diego Costa. The Spaniard did bag a couple of goals but will miss out on the game due to a suspension after picking up a yellow card against the Hornets.

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The game certainly will be intriguing to watch, considering how the two clubs have tried to kick start their respective seasons. With a galaxy of under-performing stars at both clubs, here are three key battles that could decide the game.

1. Wayne Rooney vs. John Terry

It shouldn’t have been a surprise to see the England captain being benched against Stoke City, Rooney only has a couple of league goals to his name this season and has been poor but the only time United did look half decent was when he was brought on in the second half.

The Red Devil would probably start for the team and would have to face an old nemesis in John Terry who himself hasn’t had the best of seasons. The two work horses will try their level best to ensure that they can get their team over the finishing line and who knows, this could be the last time at least one of them faces the opposition.

2. Chris Smalling vs. Loic Remy

With the absence of Diego Costa from the lineup, the onus on starting the Chelsea attack would fall on Loic Remy unless Guus Hiddink has a change of heart and plans to play with Falcao. The French striker certainly hasn’t done much to convince people of his ability to be better than Costa but under a new manager, he could flourish.

Chris Smalling on the other hand, is one of the few Manchester United players who has actually bettered himself this season and if he can keep the French striker in his pocket at Old Trafford, United could well get the victory.

3. Daley Blind vs. Willian

Whichever side Daley Blind has to play, he would have to take on two of the trickiest players in the league. While Eden Hazard hasn’t performed to his capabilities this season, that slack has been taken up by the mercurial Brazilian, Willian.

The winger has been one of the bright spots for Chelsea this season and his team-high seven goals in all competitions just proves how important he has become to the team. Blind had an absolute nightmare against Xherdan Shaqiri at the Britannia a couple of days ago, although Willian isn’t as tricky as the Swiss international, Blind will have to be at his best to keep the Brazilian at bay.