[Todd]

What if Mourinho drops the untouchable Lukaku to start both Martial and Rashford, like he dropped Ibrahimović at home last season?

Although one could almost make an argument for that, as Lukaku looks like he's never going to score again, it would destroy the lad's confidence. Maybe he'll come up big, who knows.

I'd like to see Rashford play as a 9 with Martial wide left though. Jose should try that on CL match day 6 provided we wrap up the group on MD5

 

[AgentP]

I think so, that he will be ready. Dropping Rüdiger, what a pity, but that means starting Zappacosta. Smalling to cover for Morata's headers, I hope.

We should look out for that diagonal cross that Azpi plays to Morata. They have already scored twice like that this season. It's almost identical to the ball Eriksen played to Alli against us.

 

[Android1974]

We should look out for that diagonal cross that Azpi plays to Morata. They have already scored twice like that this season. It's almost identical to the ball Eriksen played to Alli against us.

Zappacosta's also a great crosser, that's why I mentioned it.

 

[IrishRedDevil]

I would love to see this 3-4-3. I think it's defensive enough to allow the front 3 to run riot. As an added bonus, Lukaku looked decent when he drifted to the RW last night, so all 3 players could interchange and mix it up during the game. I really want to see Martial and Rashford on the pitch together (we all do), but that's only a dream for now.

Obviously Chelsea away is not the time for experiments so this is unlikely, but I just want to take some time to admire this team. Plus add Pogba for Herrera

-------------De Gea
--- Bailly - Smalling - Jones
Valencia ------------------Young
---------Herrera -- Matic
Rashford --- Lukaku --- Martial

 

[Android1974]

Although one could almost make an argument for that, as Lukaku looks like he's never going to score again, it would destroy the lad's confidence. Maybe he'll come up big, who knows.

I'd like to see Rashford play as a 9 with Martial wide left though. Jose should try that on CL match day 6 provided we wrap up the group on MD5

I have absolutely no doubt Mourinho would risk crushing his confidence if that means a great chance of winning at Stanford Bridge. He dropped Ibrahimović at home but would hesitate with Lukaku away?

People keep insisting on Martial and Rashford at the same time, but fail to provide a solution to our thin midfield that option would create. Imagine Herrera and Matić truly all alone against Bakayoko, Kanté and Fàbregas! At least Mkhitaryan or Lingard drop there and provide an extra body.

 

[RedDevil@84]

And the fans will moan because we didn’t play all out attacking “like SAF would have done”.

It is known.

SAF at Bridge has real dodgy record tbh

 

[Adam-Utd]

I expect Hazard to turn into a Messi/Maradona hybrid as he usually does against us, will probably nick a goal in a tight 1-0.

Hope Lukaku/Rashford/Martial can cause them problems.

Expect us to play a 3-5-2 to match them up.

 

[Android1974]

Mourinho made some interesting statements in Portuguese yesterday that explain our major limitation right now: «O Benfica esteve muito bem. A equipa esteve estável, o Rui Vitória apresentou um meio campo que nos pressionou, encurtou espaços e não nos deixou jogar onde somos fortes. Fui apanhado numa situação quase de impotência, não tinha médios para meter, não tinha médios no banco para rejuvenescer as dinâmicas e não tinha muitas soluções para colmatar os amarelos do Douglas e do Rúben Dias. Na parte final do jogo conseguimos um penálti que nos deu tranquilidade, mas o Benfica obrigou-me a pensar o jogo de maneira diferente e quando assim é, é mérito.»
Basically, he's saying Benfica pressured our midfield, shortened the available space, and he was caught in an almost hands tied situation, where he had no midfielders in the bench to rejuvenate the dynamic there.

This has been happening in almost every game of ours, and the lack of tactical creativity and variations upfront is, in part, explained by this. Pogba or Fellaini would allow us to free ourselves more.

 

[Mcking]

I would love to see this 3-4-3. I think it's defensive enough to allow the front 3 to run riot. As an added bonus, Lukaku looked decent when he drifted to the RW last night, so all 3 players could interchange and mix it up during the game. I really want to see Martial and Rashford on the pitch together (we all do), but that's only a dream for now.

Obviously Chelsea away is not the time for experiments so this is unlikely, but I just want to take some time to admire this team. Plus add Pogba for Herrera

-------------De Gea
--- Bailly - Smalling - Jones
Valencia ------------------Young
---------Herrera -- Matic
Rashford --- Lukaku --- Martial

And if plan A doesn't work? We will have to sub on Lingard and Mkhitaryan to try and change the game, both of whom are probably not going to have any positive effect on game. Martial or Rashford will definitely be on the bench.

 

[The Outsider]

I expect Hazard to turn into a Messi/Maradona hybrid as he usually does against us, will probably nick a goal in a tight 1-0.

That would suit me and if we get either Drinkwater or Kante back think we stand a good chance of 3 points, Cesc staying in midfield is the nightmare for us.

 

[Red_Beans]

I would take a draw right now no problem

 

[ijc]

It will be the same formation as vs Tottenham. Though I have a feeling Mata will start over Mkh...

Same result as vs Spurs as well.... if there's a Utd manager who can win at The Bridge, it's Jose. He will then just stick two fingers up and grin.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

We aren't winning this. We're awful at the Bridge, Chelsea will be keen to prove a point after last night and we all know how we're going to approach the game.

------------------DDG--------------------
------Bailly------Smalling-----Jones-----
Valencia-----------------------------Young
-------------Herrera----Matic-------------
Mata-------------Mkhitaryan-------Rashford
----------------Lukaku---------------------

PREDICTION
Jose parks the bus and we defend excellently for the entire first half, both teams have half chances. Second half, same story until around 65mins or so when they score and, as we have set up to do nothing but defend, we have to break shape and chase an equaliser. They catch us on the break and seal it.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Man United
Morata, Hazard

 

[Todd]

I have absolutely no doubt Mourinho would risk crushing his confidence if that means a great chance of winning at Stanford Bridge. He dropped Ibrahimović at home but would hesitate with Lukaku away?

People keep insisting on Martial and Rashford at the same time, but fail to provide a solution to our thin midfield that option would create. Imagine Herrera and Matić truly all alone against Bakayoko, Kanté and Fàbregas! At least Mkhitaryan or Lingard drop there and provide an extra body.

I agree with you, and in the scenario I suggested it would be a front 3 of Martial, Rashford and Henrik rather than Rashford, Lukaku and Henrik. Away at the Bridge isn't the time to try that, though.

As you've alluded to, we could easily lose this match in the midfield. I see no way Jose goes with anything other than the 3-5-2 we played against Spurs, it's just a question of whether or not he starts Mata or Henrik. I guess I'd go with Henrik since whoever starts will be relied upon to drop back and help and Henrik is more of a physical presence than Mata.

 

[crossy1686]

I would take a draw right now no problem

Same here. Even if Mourinho absolutely stinks out the game.

 

[Android1974]

We aren't winning this. We're awful at the Bridge, Chelsea will be keen to prove a point after last night and we all know how we're going to approach the game.

------------------DDG--------------------
------Bailly------Smalling-----Jones-----
Valencia-----------------------------Young
-------------Herrera----Matic-------------
Mata-------------Mkhitaryan-------Rashford
----------------Lukaku---------------------

PREDICTION
Jose parks the bus and we defend excellently for the entire first half, both teams have half chances. Second half, same story until around 65mins or so when they score and, as we have set up to do nothing but defend, we have to break shape and chase an equaliser. They catch us on the break and seal it.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Man United
Morata, Hazard

We start with 12 and still lose, sad.

 

[RedPed]

Despite the usual and predictable negativity on here, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to beat this Chelsea side. Yeah it may not be pretty or edge of the seat stuff but I think we'll just shade it on Sunday.

 

[Android1974]

I agree with you, and in the scenario I suggested it would be a front 3 of Martial, Rashford and Henrik rather than Rashford, Lukaku and Henrik. Away at the Bridge isn't the time to try that, though.

As you've alluded to, we could easily lose this match in the midfield. I see no way Jose goes with anything other than the 3-5-2 we played against Spurs, it's just a question of whether or not he starts Mata or Henrik. I guess I'd go with Henrik since whoever starts will be relied upon to drop back and help and Henrik is more of a physical presence than Mata.

The problem is you can't describe the way we played Spurs as 3-5-2, since our midfield was like this, with the playmaker actually closer to the attacking line:

Herrera Matić
Mkhitaryan
(Lingard)​

I would call it 3-4-1-2 (or 3-4-3 if the playmaker drifts to the right, like CSKA away).
A proper 3-5-2, like we saw in pre-season or Real Madrid, has three midfield players alined like in 4-3-3:

Matić
Herrera Pogba​

Anyhow, Mata isn't starting that position away, that's for sure.

 

[Android1974]

Despite the usual and predictable negativity on here, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to beat this Chelsea side. Yeah it may not be pretty or edge of the seat stuff but I think we'll just shade it on Sunday.

It took a incredible game from City to get them a 0-1 away win, and we're not playing that kind of football lately, so a draw is still the most probable result. And, come to think of it, not a bad one (except if we think we have a chance for the title and should go for every point).

 

[Unmutual]

Never hugely optimistic at Stamford Bridge, but I guess we're due a result there. I think the game will be more like the Spurs game than the Liverpool game, where both teams will spend a lot of time fighting for midfield and neither will create a huge number of chances. Should be a great tactical battle, doubt there'll be much goalmouth drama as such.

No reason to think we'll be outclassed mind, the 4-0 was a long time ago now. I think we had their number in the FA Cup til Herrera got a red, and we were far more dominant than the 2-0 scoreline at Old Trafford suggests. My main worry is whether our attackers are in good enough form to make the most of the limited opportunities we'll probably get. 0-0 seems the most likely outcome, but a win is far from impossible.

 

[Android1974]

Never hugely optimistic at Stamford Bridge, but I guess we're due a result there. I think the game will be more like the Spurs game than the Liverpool game, where both teams will spend a lot of time fighting for midfield and neither will create a huge number of chances. Should be a great tactical battle, doubt there'll be much goalmouth drama as such.

No reason to think we'll be outclassed mind, the 4-0 was a long time ago now. I think we had their number in the FA Cup til Herrera got a red, and we were far more dominant than the 2-0 scoreline at Old Trafford suggests. My main worry is whether our attackers are in good enough form to make the most of the limited opportunities we'll probably get. 0-0 seems the most likely outcome, but a win is far from impossible.

All this is fair, but it's supposing Conte doesn't come up with something new. He knows he's going for this risking a bad result, so I'm convinced he'll try a different formation, which might throw us out of balance, specially due to our midfield limitations.

 

[Devil may care]

Between Jose's approach to these games and the result Chelsea had last night, I think this will be 0-0 with the teams cancelling each other out, I don't see either manager taking risks.

 

[AshRK]

The only way we are going to win this is if one of our attackers, preferably Mkhi has a blinder. Mkhi has been our problem, for that matter all our number 10's have been crap. We seriously miss Pogba because he can easily find those pass which our number 10's, who are supposed to, are not able to.

Last one month have made me fell, maybe we better sign Ozil and use his magic.

 

[AgentP]

All this is fair, but it's supposing Conte doesn't come up with something new. He knows he's going for this risking a bad result, so I'm convinced he'll try a different formation, which might throw us out of balance, specially due to our midfield limitations.

Different how? He only plays 343 or sometimes 352. He might change a few personnel but that's about it. I can't see him going back to a back 4.

 

[notcool]

If they go 3-5-1-1 we could stick to the 3-4-1-2 we played against Spurs. The only problem is Hazard in between the lines. We can send our CBs forward to deal with him (like with Dele Alli) but the problem is that Hazard is very good at using that sort of pressure and can easily apply his pace and agility in that situation to create an opportunity. If we used Tuanzebe as one of the CBs he might be able to keep Hazard quiet.

If they play 3-4-3 maybe we will play the same 4-4-2/3-5-2 we played against them last season, with Herrera as the RB/DM tracking Hazard. Maybe we'll see McTominay is midfield for this one.

Which formation will Chelsea employ though?

 

[peridigm]

We start with 12 and still lose, sad.

I read that in a Donald Trump voice. Hahaha.

 

[Android1974]

Different how? He only plays 343 or sometimes 352. He might change a few personnel but that's about it. I can't see him going back to a back 4.

Actually, on another thread a Chelsea fan was expecting him to do just that, go for an apparent four at the back, like he did in the second half of the Roma game (or maybe it was just Willian as rightwingback and Azpilicueta moved to rightcenterback). But it might be a different challenge for us if he plays 3-5-1-1 with Hazard and Morata upfront.

 

[Android1974]

Between Jose's approach to these games and the result Chelsea had last night, I think this will be 0-0 with the teams cancelling each other out, I don't see either manager taking risks.

You think there's zero chances of one of them, most likely Conte, trying to surprise the other?

 

[MThomas]

Between Jose's approach to these games and the result Chelsea had last night, I think this will be 0-0 with the teams cancelling each other out, I don't see either manager taking risks.

Even Mkhi can't consistently be that shite over such a long period of time, so he might deliver a match winning performance

 

[whatwha]

It would be nice if they defend like this on Sunday...

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Hah
How the hell does that happen at a club like Chelsea

 

[Android1974]

Even Mkhi can't consistently be that shite over such a long period of time, so he might deliver a match winning performance

Against a midfield three, and Kanté in particular, it seems like a very unlikely scenario.

 

[Android1974]

Hah
How the hell does that happen at a club like Chelsea

The only truly bad thing in there is Azpilicueta slow reaction when D.Luiz catches Dzeko, really. They should be very tired by then.

 

[Zlatattack]

I don't expect to see Rashford and Martial start together this season. Both are direct, quick and have an eye for goal - and there are only two of them. We don't have anyone on the bench that can do the same. When these guys come on from the bench 60 minutes into the game, the fullback they face is already pretty tired and has to face these guys going at 100mph for 30 minutes. It what helps us get those late goals.

Imagine if they both play, run the opposition defence ragged but ultimately don't score. What options do we have to increase the intensity? Lingard? No end product. Mikhi? Lightweight.

 

[Android1974]

I don't expect to see Rashford and Martial start together this season. Both are direct, quick and have an eye for goal - and there are only two of them. We don't have anyone on the bench that can do the same. When these guys come on from the bench 60 minutes into the game, the fullback they face is already pretty tired and has to face these guys going at 100mph for 30 minutes. It what helps us get those late goals.

Imagine if they both play, run the opposition defence ragged but ultimately don't score. What options do we have to increase the intensity? Lingard? No end product. Mikhi? Lightweight.

You have a point, but they can definitely start together in a counterattacking 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, for instance, provided we have Pogba ruling our midfield and Ibrahimović on the bench, in case things go wrong.

 

[Zlatattack]

You have a point, but they can definitely start together in a counterattacking 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, for instance, provided we have Pogba ruling our midfield and Ibrahimović on the bench, in case things go wrong.

I agree, it's something i've wanted to see all season, but i think we don't get the chance until we have better backup options.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

We start with 12 and still lose, sad.

Haha, oops.
Mata out, in that case!

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Can't wait for this defence to channel the spirit of prime John Terry, Carvalho and Ashley Cole against us.

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[Devil may care]

You think there's zero chances of one of them, most likely Conte, trying to surprise the other?

I'd be surprised if either of them went for it, both are cautious coaches and I think Conte will be more worried about a second defeat in a week rather than winning.

Even Mkhi can't consistently be that shite over such a long period of time, so he might deliver a match winning performance

Ya never know, he was decent in the 2nd half last night so maybe he's due a big game showing.

 

[Kapardin]

Can't wait for this defence to channel the spirit of prime John Terry, Carvalho and Ashley Cole against us.

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Reminds me of the Tom and Jerry episode where the three cats chase Jerry only to be fooled by a turn and run bang into a door. Slapstick.

 

[Runner]

Hopefully our game plan has changed since last year from kicking Hazard at every opportunity to actually playing football.