Hello and welcome to the 2nd edition of the EPL Big Match live blog series. Today, we'll be covering all of the talking points as and when they occur throughout the Chelsea vs Manchester United game. It's really simple for everyone to get involved, but if this is the first time you've seen this series, you can check out how things work by clicking here.
To summarise, I will be posting live updates and opinions about the match at regular intervals right here in this blog post. Contributions will be provided by myself, talesfrmthecrypt, jon.bonomo, Idunique, and writingamigo.
However, the real aim of this series is for you to get involved in the comment section below with your own opinions. If you'd like to respond to one of our contributions, that's cool. If you'd like to add your own, that's awesome too. We will be hanging around in the comment section to interact with you and upvote good quality content.
Pre-Match Predictions
United haven't won at Stamford Bridge in six years and that won't change on Saturday. Jose is missing a group of his favourite go-to players in McTominay, Fellaini, and Herrera. Chelsea will dominate in the midfield, and thus, get all 3 points here. Regardless of the internal turmoil at United, they won't roll over easily.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 - 0 Manchester Utd.
History tells us that Mourinho is likely to try to frustrate Chelsea here, but the current pressure he's under to get results may mean that he has to just go for the win. If that's the case, I can't see United being able to cope with this in-form Chelsea team. The key battle will be in midfield and Pogba will need to play well if United are to stand a chance.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester Utd.
After their second-half comeback against Newcastle, Mourinho would have liked this game to have come around a little quicker in the hope of building some momentum. What we'd all love is an early goal, otherwise, I can see this being a game where Chelsea dominate possession with Manchester United happy to sit and defend their box.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 - 0 Manchester Utd.
I'm expecting more than another United failure. There are almost no reasons for me to think that Chelsea won't win, but I have a feeling that United will be eager to build on the win against Newcastle. With Lindelof out, United's defence may even function without fatal mistakes. Nonetheless, Chelsea will control the midfield.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 - 1 Manchester Utd.
This game is going to see a Jose Mourinho that has suffered many scars this season trying to save his job. Trust me, that's not the kind of motivation anyone should underrate. Sarri will be looking to ship more coals onto Mourinho. I see Manchester United getting out with a win or a draw.
Prediction: Chelsea 1 - 2 Manchester United.
Team News
The teams have been announced and I'm surprised to see that Jose Mourinho has gone with an attacking side. Interestingly, Rashford is preferred over mega-earner Sanchez but I think it's the right choice. Mata is a questionable addition because he's not got the pace to help track back on a Chelsea attack. Pogba and Matic vs Kante and Jorginho is my selection as the key battle this afternoon. Let's hope for plenty of goals.
Nothing unexpected from Chelsea. They are playing the usual 4-3-3 with Hazard, Willian, and Morata up front. Pedro will most likely come to the game in the second half.
As for Manchester United, what the hell is Mourinho thinking to let Lindelof play? I just don't get it. Also, not playing Fred, who is pretty good defensively is somewhat risky, but I like it.
Live Match
UPDATE - 10 MINUTES
Chelsea started the game a little better and it's obvious that they want to score a fast goal. Once again, Eden Hazard created the biggest chance of the first 10 minutes when he earned a free kick (Matic had to be booked) which was wasted by Willian.
It's evident that Chelsea is controlling the midfield and Manchester United are waiting for their chances.
GOAL!
Chelsea 1 - 0 Manchester United
Scored: Rudiger (20)
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UPDATE - 20 MINUTES
The first 20 minutes has seen the usual Mourinho style of play and nothing much has changed in the game. Manchester United are sitting back and waiting to hit Chelsea on a counter.
With Willian blasting away a close-range free kick, Rudiger waited until the 20th minute to put Chelsea ahead.
Chelsea 1 - 0 Manchester United.
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UPDATE - 30 MINUTES
No surprise with Chelsea leading by a goal in the first half, pretty much what everyone expected. Despite all of United's possession, they've yet to really threaten the goal. Jose's "masterclass" for today seems to be pumping aerial balls into the box and route one counter-attacking football, surprising nobody. The Jose/Pogba love affair has not gotten even more strained. A messy breakup could be imminent.
UPDATE - 40 MINUTES
Chelsea keep controlling the situation, Eden Hazard keeps getting tackled (it's not American football, Matic). Alonso had a perfect chance to score but he failed to control the pass. The only problem I see with Chelsea, Sarri lets Alonso go too far into the attack, leaving spaces behind. Rashford Already took advantage of that once but Hazard stopped him. Next time it might cost a goal. Apart from that, Chelsea remain dominant.
UPDATES - HALFTIME
Mourinho's attacking lineup hasn't really done much to justify the selection. Mata is offering nothing from a defensive standpoint and it's leaving too much space for Chelsea to exploit in the midfield. Had Alonso controlled the ball better, United could be going into the break 0-2 down. They are very much in this game still but Mourinho will have to tweak his formation or team at the break to gain some control.
You look around the Manchester United team and think, where is the big match player? Where is the guy who is going to provide that spark of magic in a match like this to get them back in the game?
In all honesty, in Manchester United I see a team of fairweather players who might look good against the weaker sides but don't have the game or will to win from here.
GOAL!
Chelsea 1 - 1 Manchester United
Scored: Martial (50)
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UPDATE - 55 MINUTES
@svarogbg made some good observations about Morata's performance and that snatched chance earlier in the half sums things up, he's very low on confidence.
At 1-0 up you're never safe and from nowhere Martial who has been anonymous throughout the game gets United back in the game. Game on! Chelsea 1 - 1 Manchester United.
UPDATE - 65 MINUTES
The first 20 minutes in the second hald have seen a complacent Chelsea getting surprised by Manchester United.
A piercing shot from Young into the box found its way to the boots of Martial, who took advantage and buried it into the back of the net. The game is now open.
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UPDATE - 70 MINUTES
No Fellaini, no problem. It's Martial who gets United back in the match. As expected, the goal has rekindled the fire in United, and they are now starting to believe they can walk away with 3 points. Chelsea have let off the gas and allowed United to play their way back in. United are showing a real willingness to come back, adopting a never-say-die attitude in the past few weeks.
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GOAL!
Chelsea 1 - 2 Manchester United
Scored: Martial (72)
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UPDATE - 80 MINUTES
Chelsea beginning to look a bit desperate now. We haven't seen Sarri try to chase a game like this before.
Other than Hazard there aren't many goals in this Chelsea teams so it's hard to see who is going to get them out of jail here.
What a result this would be for United if they can hang on!
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GOAL!
Chelsea 2 - 2 Manchester United
Scored: Barkley (96)
Commotion on the touchline as Mourinho tries to square up to a member of the Chelsea staff. He was seemingly unimpressed that he celebrated in front of the Manchester United bench.
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UPDATE - FULLTIME
What a great game of football with a really exciting ending!
This really was a game of two halves with Chelsea on top in the first and Manchester United in the second.
On reflection, this is a better result for Chelsea than United, but Mourinho will be happy with the desire shown by his team this week. Final score: Chelsea 2 - 2 Manchester United.
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