Different match from last year’s 0:0 draw. Manchester United and Chelsea are in position where one point is not good enough the Red Devils but for The Blues it will be just fine to leave Old Trafford with one point. It is obvious for Van Gaal’s squad that the fans will not accept anything less than fight for 3 points, especially at Old Trafford, but what is surprising is Mourinho’s approach when he said that he will try to win.
This is not Jose’s style. Usually he demands victory at home against every club, but when he plays rivals away he is more than happy with a draw. This is why you shouldn’t trust his words when he says that he is going to fight for 3 points. This of course doesn’t mean that Chelsea can’t win, but it is clear that they will not give their best.
Analysing the squads, it becomes common expectation to see many goals on games like this. I think it will be obvious for Van Gaal to put Falcao in the starting eleven, and give Mata more offensive role. The only thing that he can’t control as well as he needs is the defence. He has the brilliant Blind, but there are too many holes for him to cover. Jonny Evans is still injured and will not be included in the squad, and Jones is somehow not playing at his best.
Chelsea also has some problems with injured players. Loic Remy is unavailable due to an injury picked in the Champions League match against Maribor, Diego Costa is doubtful and Drogba is likely to start the match. Anyway, Chelsea has plenty of attacking power in the midfield to compensate. Hazard is in great shape as well as Fabregas and the only question is whether Mourinho want all 3 points.
There is nothing to say about the midfield and the defensive line because from what we saw until now, those are Chelsea's strong sides. Matic is brilliant in defensive and sometimes offensive tasks. Terry and Cahil are maybe the best defensive duo in the league which means Van Persie and Falcao will have to produce some magic to score today. While we are mentioning magic, Di Maria is fit to play and will be responsible to keep Ivanovic busy for 90 minutes.
This is derby between two big clubs and that is why it is safe to say that we will see many goals.
NostradamusTip: over 2.5 goals