The flagship match of this 10th day of the Premier League will pit Manchester United against Chelsea. A decisive meeting for the two teams with divergent ambitions at the start of the season. Who will win? Response Sunday at 5:30 p.m….
It's a match that already promises to be one of the most important of this first part of the Premier League season. Sunday at 5:30 p.m., Manchester United hosts Chelsea for the 10th day of the English championship. A meeting which will be followed live and exclusively on Canal+ Sport 360.
Manchester United On The Verge Of Crisis
Nothing is going well with Manchester United. The Mancunian club is in great difficulty at the start of the season, as evidenced by its poor 14th place in the standings before today. The Red Devils have only won 3 of their first 9 matches and remain on a frustrating defeat against West Ham last week (2-1). Worse, the club parted ways this week with its coach Erik ten Hag, who arrived this summer and was already fired given the poor results.
Sunday will therefore be the first post-Ten Hag match for Manchester. A particularly important match to relaunch a dynamic that has completely stopped since the restart. With only 9 points on the clock, the Mancuniens are very far from their ambitions and must react if they still want to believe in the top 4.
Chelsea In The Good Dynamic
Opposite, Chelsea arrive with a completely different state of mind. The Blues are fifth in the championship and are riding high a series of 4 consecutive victories in all competitions. Last weekend, Graham Potter's men snatched a valuable victory against Newcastle (2-1) thanks in particular to a great Mason Mount. The Londoners now have a 7-point lead over 6th and assert themselves as a serious candidate for European places.
The dynamic is therefore clearly on Chelsea's side before this clash against Manchester United. But be careful, the Blues will have to be wary of this injured opponent who will be keen to react in front of his audience. An element not to be overlooked for Reece James' partners.
A Match With Multiple Stakes
This Manchester United – Chelsea is therefore a crucial match in more than one way. Sportingly already, since the two teams are playing big in the race for the top 4 and European places. A victory would allow the Red Devils to come back to within 3 short lengths of their opponent of the day. A success for Chelsea on Mancunian soil would, on the contrary, be a strong message sent to the competition.
But beyond the accounting aspect, this duel will also have an important symbolic dimension, especially on the Manchester United side. The Red Devils must show a completely different face after the departure of Erik ten Hag and prove that they still have the resources to compete with the best. The pressure will be heavy on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes and his teammates.
Which Players to Watch?
In this clash at the top, several players will be particularly scrutinized. On the Manchester United side, all eyes will be on Antonythe Red Devils' latest offensive recruit. The Brazilian is expected around the corner for his first big test in the Premier League. His understanding with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho will be one of the keys to the match.
In the Chelsea camp, Raheem Sterling will be keen to shine for his return to Manchester, he who has worn the colors of City for a long time. The England international is in great form as evidenced by his 4 goals and 2 assists in the league. He will be the Blues' number one offensive asset.
For this match, I expect great intensity from both sides. These two teams are used to delivering epic duels. Manchester will want to react, but Chelsea seem to me to have more certainties at the moment. I see the Blues winning with a narrow score.
Frank Leboeuf, consultant for Canal+ and former Chelsea player
One thing is certain, this Manchester United – Chelsea will be a match not to be missed for all Premier League lovers. A classic of English football that promises sparks on the pitch at Old Trafford. Kick-off Sunday at 5:30 p.m., live and exclusively on Canal+ Sport 360!
