Next Sunday, 26th of October 2014, the inconsistent Manchester United will entertain the new super Chelsea at Old Trafford for round nine of the English Premier League, on a match that, in case of win, might help to motivate the host team that still lost in their path to success this season.

Manchester United’s inconsistency continues to be blatantly obvious. The team is currently on a six match row without a single win away from home and continues to present a disconcerting shakiness on their defensive department. Last Monday, United might consider themselves lucky for grabbing a draw during their visit to The Hawthorns. A late goal from the newcomer Daley Blind offered the Red Devils one precious point, just when the ghost of yet another defeat was already taunting the team’s supporters.

The new Manchester United from Louis Van Gaal looks already fairly tuned up on their attacking movements but, at the same time, their defensive approach is a total wreck. The defence line allows excessive space for the opponents to pass the ball around quite easily, reason why conceding goals is almost inevitable.

When playing away from Old Trafford, United’s tactical approach also does not seem quite accurate, as the players look somewhat lost on the pitch for some periods of the match.

In order to snatch a positive result against Chelsea, the Red Devils will need to put up something very special and cannot continue to give away those “freebies” back in the defence; otherwise, they will easily be overcomed by the Blues.

For next Sunday’s clash, Van Gaal will probably still not be able to rely on the contribution of Lingard, Valencia, McNair and Evans, all of them sidelined due to injury.

As for Chelsea, José Mourinho’s boys have been looking unstoppable so far this season and not even their draws against Schalke 04 and Manchester City are enough to taint their impressive campaign.

The Blues remain undefeated after eight league matches and they will certainly fight for an extension on that record when they visit Old Trafford next Sunday.

Last Tuesday, Chelsea completely hammered the Slovenian side of Maribor at Stamford Bridge for the UEFA Champions League, on a match that marked the return of Didier Drogba to goals.

For the upcoming match, José Mourinho is not yet certain if he will be able to rely on the contribution of the Brazilian born Spanish sharpshooter, Diego Costa, and on Ramires, who are still recovering from their respective injuries.

Although Manchester United will be playing at home, Chelsea enjoy from a slight favouritism to the match, especially if one has in mind the quality they have already displayed so far this season.

Manchester United

Stats: W-3 L-1 D-1

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Chelsea

Stats: W-5 L-0 D-0

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Possible Line-ups

Manchester United (4-4-2 Diamond) – De Gea - Rafael - Rojo  - Jones - Shaw - Blind - Herrera - Di Maria - Rooney - Van Persie - Falcao

Chelsea (4-3-3) – Courtois - Ivanovic - Terry - Cahill - Azpilicueta - Matic - Fàbregas - Hazard - Willian - Oscar - Diego Costa

Prediction

Manchester United 1 Chelsea 2