Chelsea take on title challengers Manchester United this Sunday – as Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his departure from Chelsea last December.
The match is not only a meeting of two of the countries footballing powerhouses, it’s also a chance for Mourinho to get one over on the club that so ruthlessly foresaw his sacking from the club that he himself regarded with such affinity.
Both sides come into the game having breezed past their previous opponents – Manchester United won 4-1 against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, whilst Chelsea convincingly swept aside reigning champions Leicester City 3-0.
But despite this neither team has made an incredible start to the season – having both lost twice already this season, leaving them just off the pace at the top of the league.
Chelsea once again have the services of veteran captain John Terry available to them, despite several media outlets suggesting that he had aggravated the ankle ligament problem that saw him miss a month of action.
Kurt Zouma is also on track to begin training with the first team again next week, having taken part in a U21’s session this week. Cesc Fabregas remains out with a thigh injury that saw him miss last week’s win against Leicester, whilst Branislav Ivanovic also remains on the sidelines following a muscle injury. The Blues will also make late decisions over the availability of Willian and Oscar – after separate family bereavements.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will be hoping that both Chris Smalling and Morgan Schneiderlin can pass late fitness tests before the game. Although Phil Jones and James Wilson – who has had to return from his loan spell with Derby County, remain long-term absentees.
Whilst Chelsea look to propel themselves back to the top of the table with a win on Sunday, Manchester United will be looking to overtake Chelsea by beating their fierce west London rivals for the first time in 10 league and cup meetings.
A victory would hand Chelsea their 50th victory over the Red Devils in all competitions, whilst United have failed to win in London since May 2015 – against Crystal Palace.
