It’s Chelsea versus Manchester United, and that of course means it’s also Jose Mourinho versus Antonio Conte, in what will be one of the most highly anticipated and closely watched touchline interactions in quite some time. The Mourinho-Conte earlier this year was legendary to some, deplorable to others, but everyone can agree that it was attention grabbing.
Both sides head into this match badly needing a league win, as the top four race is tightening and neither the Blues nor the Red Devils can really afford to be dropping points right now. United head into this match more banged up than Chelsea, as the Ander Herrera injury is definitely a big setback.
Also, defenders Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are both out with knocks. Marouane Fellaini (MCL knee ligament) has at least another month left on the sidelines while Daley Blind (ankle) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee) won’t be in contention for this one either. the sidelines.
On the other side, Conte does not have to sweat any new injury worries, but Ross Barkley is a doubt due to his hamstring problem. Meanwhile, David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko are both out due to knocks.
Odds: Chelsea 5/2, Draw 23/10, United 13/10
Chelsea starting XI prediction: go to this link
United starting XI prediction: go to this link
Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte press conference videos, go to these links: Mourinho, Conte
Prediction: United 1, Chelsea 0
Feel free to post your own Chelsea and/or Man United starting XI predictions, as well as your best guess as to what the final score will be.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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