The Premier League spotlight shines on Old Trafford this weekend as Manchester United host Chelsea in a clash between two sides already battling questions about their direction. United come into the game on the back of a bruising Manchester derby defeat, while Chelsea arrive with mixed fortunes in both league and Europe, Softfootball reports.
For United, the pressure is piling up on boss Ruben Amorim. Speculation is growing that his job could be on the line if results don’t improve before the October international break. A humbling 3-0 loss to Manchester City last week laid bare the gulf between United and their rivals, and Amorim’s league record of just 31 points from 31 games hardly inspires confidence.
Still, there are faint positives at Old Trafford, where his side have won two of their last three league outings as many as in their previous 11 home games combined. A big performance here is not just about points, but about survival for their manager.
Manchester United confirmed XI to face Chelsea, as posted on the club’s official X handle, see below:
Chelsea, meanwhile, are searching for a reset after their first defeat of the campaign. A 3-1 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, following a frustrating 2-2 draw at Brentford, has left Enzo Maresca urging his men to “build something special” from the setback.
The Blues may take comfort from their recent away form, having lost just once in their last six Premier League trips. With attacking quality to spare, Chelsea know Old Trafford is a ground where draws have been common, but the opportunity to deepen United’s crisis will be tempting.
Chelsea confirmed XI to face Manchester United, as shared via the club’s official X handle, see below:
History leans towards a tight affair. This is the most drawn fixture in Premier League history, with 27 stalemates, 14 of them coming at Old Trafford. United haven’t lost at home to Chelsea in 12 league meetings but defeat here would mark consecutive head-to-head losses for the first time since 2011.
Injuries could play their part too: United remain without Diogo Dalot, while Chelsea are still missing Liam Delap. With both sides needing a statement, the stage is set for another fierce chapter in this long-standing rivalry.
