Top Match Tips: Tensions high as Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge
In just under 10 days, Jose Mourinho will have been tasked with taking Manchester United to Anfield, a Europa League tie, a second Manchester Derby of the season and a return to his old stomping ground, Stamford Bridge. It’s the type of fortnight which he will relish. Content to take the clean sheet and point away from Liverpool on Monday, Mourinho will be looking for nothing less than a win in front of the watchful eye of his former employers.
He may have been asked a number of questions about his predecessor, but Antonio Conte looks more focused on his own team than any potential theatrics from the opposition dugout. After stumbling in their only real tests this season, at home to Liverpool and away to Arsenal, Conte has steadied the ship and introduced his highly anticipated defensive system. Chelsea have managed to keep consecutive clean sheets in the league for the first time since February and Conte will want to build on that defensive solidity and atone for the earlier dropped points.
While Conte appears grounded and simply focused on the task at hand, some of Chelsea’s players may be out to prove a point to Mourinho, especially after some of the very public criticism that was directed at them by their former manager. Beyond the ones who looked jaded by the situation they found themselves - David Luiz was considered surplus goods and shipped off to Paris. Conte could find it a challenge to keep some of his players as balanced as he is about ‘the return’.
With that in mind, there is certainly money to be made in this fixture courtesy of Bet365. New Bet365 customers recieve a 100% deposit bonus. When you deposit £10 or more you will qualify for a matched amount to bet with, up to £200. Given the excellent markets on offer for this Premier League contest, you stand to win money from the match.
Bolstered by their emphatic win in the Europa League just days ago and happy with a solid point at Anfield, United will be heading into Sunday’s game with a little more confidence than some may have expected. Their recent league form is middling at best, taking just 5 points from their last 5 games. Their lone win coming at home against a Leicester side who’ve yet to take a single point on the road this term.
Chelsea’s performances are a world away from this time last season under another manager’s guidance - they are still finding their feet and are prone to vulnerabilities at the back. They may have kept a clean sheet against Leicester and Hull, but had conceded 2 or more goals in each of the previous 4 games.
Aside from Kurt Zouma’s ongoing recovery, Antonio Conte theoretically has a full squad to choose from. Both Willian and Oscar have recently returned to training following compassionate leave. They may be physically fit but Conte will have to assess whether they are in the right mental shape, as he can’t really afford to drop more points to a title rival. As important as he’s been since the start of last season, Willian may be starting from the bench with Pedro starting in his place. John Terry hasn't featured since the start of September and as Chelsea have just started to find some balance in their back three, Terry may have to wait until the mid-week trip to the Olympic Stadium to get back on the pitch.
Jose Mourinho also has the majority of his squad at his disposal for selection on Sunday, which means the ever-present shadow of Wayne Rooney looms large. Rooney has netted 9 goals against the Blues but hasn’t found the back of the net against them in the league since February 2012. Changes aren't expected from the side that drew with Liverpool, which means Juan Mata could miss out on facing his former club despite an outstanding performance on Thursday,
United have not had a great deal of luck in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. They’ve managed just a single league win there since 2002. They have failed to beat Chelsea in any of their last 10 encounters and their last win came when Chelsea were reduced to nine men four years ago. Mourinho won’t want to settle for a point here, but that might be all he’s able to take away. The two sides have drawn 4 of their last 6 matches with one another. Bet365 have priced a draw at Stamford Bridge up at 3.30.
Mourinho will want his men to get at Chelsea as early as possible to have them on the back foot. More than half of the goals United have scored in the league this season have been in the opening 45 minutes. While Chelsea have been prone to conceding an early goal this term. 5 of the 9 Premier League goals they’ve conceded have also been in the first half. You can bet on Manchester United to score in the first half at 2.37.
From the stands to the pitch, tensions will be high on Sunday afternoon. It’s reasonable to think that at least one of Chelsea or United won’t finish the match with 11 men on the pitch. There have been 3 players sent off in the last 4 Premier League meetings between these sides at Stamford Bridge. Odds are at 3.25 for any player to be shown a red card.
