MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA: BIG MATCH PREVIEW

 Will  Ole get one over Frank again?

After midweek's win over PSG, Manchester United's Premier League campaign resumes with a mouthwatering clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford. Like United, The Blues, finished in the top four last season, and are looking to mount a title challenge this time around. Meanwhile, Ole and United are looking to build on the recent impressive victories over Newcastle and PSG. United looks like a team that has finally woken up from an early-season slump.

Manchester United VS Chelsea: Key Facts and Stats

Only once in their entire history have Man United lost each of their opening three home league games of a campaign, with that coming in 1930-31 as they went on to finish bottom of the table. Indeed, you have to go back to February 1979 for the last time the Red Devils lost three consecutive league games at Old Trafford at any stage of a season, while their winless home run stretches back even further. United have only picked up two points from the last 12 on offer on their own patch and could go five consecutive matches without a home league win for the first time since February 1990.

Home and away, Chelsea are conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game under Frank Lampard in the Premier League, which is the worst rate of any of their managers to have taken charge of more than one game in the competition. That failure to hold on to leads could come back to bite them against Manchester United; only Arsenal have dropped more points from winning positions than the Blues so far in 2020, while no team has gained more points from losing positions than Saturday's hosts in that period.

Team News

Manchester United's win over PSG was made all the more impressive by the fact that they were missing captain Harry Maguire and his first-choice back-up Eric Bailly to injury. Bailly will miss up to four weeks and so this game comes far too soon for him, but Solskjaer was more hopeful about the prospect of Maguire returning in time for this match. Anthony Martial serves the second of his three-game ban following his red card against Spurs, which could open the door for deadline-day arrival Edinson Cavani to make his debut after being left at home for the trip to his former club PSG. Mason Greenwood is also a doubt after being left out of the last two squads - an absence Solskjaer insists is down to injury despite speculation that he has been warned about indiscipline by club chiefs. Jesse Lingard may be back available for the hosts, but he is unlikely to be included regardless while Paul Pogba may again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Chelsea now have close to a full-strength squad to choose from, with Billy Gilmour the only remaining absentee after Mendy returned ahead of schedule against Sevilla. Lampard played down concerns over the fitness of Thiago Silva after he fell awkwardly against Sevilla, while fellow summer signing Hakim Ziyech is pushing for his first start.

Manchester United form (all competitions): WWWLWW
Chelsea form (all competitions): WDLWDD

Head To Head

Chelsea won the most recent showdown between these two sides - an FA Cup semi-final triumph in July - but their last three wins in this fixture have all come in that competition, stretching back to their last Premier League triumph in 2016. Man United won both meetings by a 6-0 aggregate scoreline last season, in addition to beating the Blues in the EFL Cup, and could win three consecutive top-flight games against Chelsea for the first time since Sir Matt Busby's team achieved the feat in September 1965. Lampard, on the other hand, would become the first Chelsea boss ever to lose his first three games against Man United if Saturday's showdown also ends in defeat, including a 4-0 loss in his very first match at the helm last August. Chelsea have not won at Old Trafford since 2013 - a seven-game streak which makes for their longest run without a top-flight victory away to Man United since a 16-game spell which stretched from 1920 to 1957.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

This back five was flawless against PSG, They kept the likes of Mbappe and Neymar are bay. They fully deserve to keep their places. With Maguire not being fully fit and clearly needs rest. After the substitute appearance against both Newcastle and PSG, Both Pogba and Van De Beek deserves to start with fixtures coming thick and fast. It seems this might be the perfect match to give Bruno a breather. With Chelsea's defense looking shambolic, Van de Beek might be the player to exploit that weakness. With Kante out of form and Jorginho being Jorginho, they don't track runners from midfield. With Pogba's passing range there is no better person to find those runs made by Van De Beek. Last game against PSG, Telles showed he has a great delivery. Cavani is one of the best headers of the ball, he'll have aerial prowess to unsettle that Chelsea defense.

Mendy; James, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell; Jorginho, Kante; Mount, Havertz, Pulisic; Werner

Prediction: Man United 2-2 Chelsea

Given neither sides' defense has been particularly impressive this season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see both managers look to keep things tight in the early stages. If an early goal does go in, the game could open up with two of the most promising attacks in the top flight - but a battling draw is more likely at this point.

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PSG VS MANCHESTER UNITED : CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

CAN MANCHESTER UNITED REPEAT THEIR HEROICS AT PARC DES PRINCES?

Manchester United face their toughest Champions League group stage test, as they travel to parc des princes for their first outing in the Champions League. United face last season's runner-up Paris Saint-Germain, who are favorites for this game. Eighteen months ago these two sides meet for the first time, with the Psg taking the first leg comfortably with goals from Kimpembe and Mbappe. United came to Paris with several key first-team players missing, and they did the unexpected and won the tie as a last-minute Marcus Rashford penalty secured a spot for the red devils in the last-8.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United: Key facts & stats

Manchester United have only lost twice in 22 Champions League openers, Juventus in 1996 and PSV in 2015, While winning 13 and 7 resulted in draws. United can become the first team to win twice at Parc des Princes, the Parsian side has only lost 7 times in 53 games at Parc des princes. Manchester United have to improve their record against the French side in the UCL group stage, having failed to win any but one of their six games played. The last time they won against the French was in 2000, beating Bordeaux 2-1. This the first time Manchester United is facing French opposition in the group stage, Since 2005/06 when they faced Lille: lost one and drew the other one. Since the defeat by Manchester United at Parc des princes, Psg hasn't lost in 4 home games. Not since December 2004 have they lost a group game on home turf either: a 24-match run which includes 19 wins.

Team News

Captain Harry Maguire has also been left out of the squad due to a slight hamstring injury. Mason Greenwood is a major doubt, however, having been left out of the squad to face Newcastle due to an unspecified fitness issue. While Cavani and Bailly are also unavailable.

PSG are some way off full strength elsewhere, though, with Tuchel claiming that he may only have 11 fit players for United's visit. Mauro Icardi, Juan Bernat, Thilo Kehrer, Leandro Paredes, and Marco Verratti will all miss the match through injury, while Marquinhos, Julian Draxler, and Danilo Pereira are major doubts after sitting out at the weekend.

Paris Saint-Germain form (all competitions): LWWWWW

Manchester United form (all competitions): LWWWLW

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Paul Pogba will be hopeful of a recall to the starting XI after being dropped at the weekend, adding another subplot to the story given the speculation that PSG are interested in the Frenchman. There could also be a debut for another deadline-day arrival in Alex Telles, while Solskjaer may consider handing Dean Henderson the gloves in the Champions League in order to keep him happy with more first-team football.

Scott McTominay can play at center-back as he has usually done it for Scotland. Last game against Newcastle when Mata drifted inside and Wan-Bissaka was told to hold the width. It was Mctominay that dropped in Wan-Bissaka's position and did a pretty good job. Not only Scott can play in this position his passing ability will also play a pivotal part.

McTominay playing in a deeper role and helping in the build-up.

Martial has been suspended for the league games and is available for the Champions League, he might be given the role over Ighalo.

Don't be surprised if Fred or even Van de Beek starts in place of Pogba.

Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:

Navas; Florenzi, Diallo, Kimpembe, Kurzawa; Herrera, Marquinhos, Rafinha; Di Maria, Neymar, Mbappe

Prediction: PSG 2-2 Manchester United

Ole's Manchester United have a terrific record against a team that doesn't play low block. PSG will come into this match looking to get revenge against the English side. Despite PSG stellar attacking qualities, it's their defense that might hold them back. Don't be surprised if Manchester United snatch a win. 

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Continental Football

Two favorites reach quarter finals!!

As the business end of the season is upon us, with the fixtures coming thick and fast. Clubs have little time to prepare for, with the Europa league beginning just a weeks after domestic campaign had ended. Both the teams did not start as excepted, as it was their opponents that were the ones looking threatening.

 Inter did get a first half goal through former Manchester United striker  Lukaku, The goal from Lukaku came on a ball over the top that was defended well towards the end, but positioning allowed the Belgian striker to get a solid look on frame. The big striker bodied his defender, didn't touch the ball before the strike and put home a ball that only few goalkeepers could stop. It was an effort that shows just how much quality he has when things are clicking, and that big moment was crucial. 

Getafe didn't outplay Inter, but it came close. Far from effective, the club still had 17 shots to Inter's 10, but only two were put on frame. But it all came down to mistakes. There wasn't much that could be done on the first goal other than holding a deeper line potentially, but that's easy to say looking back. But the missed penalty kick by Jorge Molina was the nail in the coffin, Combine that with the gift from Djene to Eriksen. Substitute Eriksen was on the pitch for barely a minute before punishing Djene Dakonam's poor clearance late on. Inter will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Rangers in the final eight, with the German side leading 3-1 on aggregate.The match was played as a one-off tie in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, after the first leg was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester United came from behind to beat Austrian side LASK at Old Trafford, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League 7-1 on aggregate.It was tough luck on the Austrians, who were the better side in the first half, despite trailing 5-0 from their home game in March.When skipper Philipp Wiesinger curled an excellent shot into the top corner after 55 minutes, it looked like they were heading for a famous victory.But Lingard replied two minutes later and Solskjaer could even give 18-year-old defender Teden Mengi his debut as the clock ticked down to the final whistle.Anthony Martial came off the bench to score the winner four minutes from time, collecting Juan Mata's precise through ball before finishing off his 23rd goal of the season from 10 yards.

Having already secured a place in next season's Champions League, United will now play Danish side FC Copenhagen in Cologne in the quarter-finals of the 'Final 8' tournament on 10 August.The 'Final 8' is taking place in Germany, with the final itself being held in Cologne on 21 August.The draw for the remainder of the competition has already taken place. Wolves are potential semi-final opponents, so there cannot be an all-English final.Inter Milan, with three former United players - Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez - are potential final opponents.

Europa League winner odds

• Manchester United @ 17/10
• Inter Milan @ 9/2
• Bayer Leverkusen @ 6/1
• Sevilla @ 7/1
• Wolves @ 15/2
• Roma @ 14/1

All odds provided by Paddy Power are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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"England's right back dilemma"

Two of the best young fullbacks!

England are blessed with two of the most skillful player in a position. Trent Alexander Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are two of the best player at their respective  position , in the league as well  as in Europe. Both have different and unique skill set to that of other , Arnold might excel at the at attacking likewise wan-bissaka excels at defensive duties. Stats speaks for themselves Trent had the most assists out of defender , whereas Wan-Bissaka completed most tackles in Europe's top 5 league. Each great at others expense, still young (21 and 22 years ) they have plenty of time to improve . Both of them are regular starters at their clubs , playing week in week out have help them to improve certain aspects of their game, still there remains question mark over who will start for England in the upcoming  UEFA Euro 2020. Trent alexander arnold has been starting for England for couple of times since his debut back in 2018. While Aaron wan-bissaka is still to represent his country he was close to getting his debut back in September. With Southgate  preferring the younger duos over the experienced duo of Walker and Trippier , he still has dilemma over  picking one over other. At international level Trent alexander arnold wont't get the same defensive solidity he gets at Liverpool, while Aaron wan-bissaka brings in the defensive might that his counterpart lacks. Leaving either one of them in bench will no doubt harm England in one way or other. As Jamie Carragher said "it's like having Kevin de Bruyne at right back"  , Trent finished only behind de Bruyne for assists provided in the premier league. He broke his own record which he set in the previous campaign (2018/19), each passing game Trent looks like a playmaker playing at right back . Likewise Jamie did praise wan-bissaka by quoting " he might be the best one on one defender in the world " as portrait-ed by Carragher or just ask "Raheem Sterling(wink emoji)" .England might miss the other one left in the bench. Many have hinted  at Trent playing in midfield as for now he's a vital cog in Jurgen klopp's all conquering Liverpool. Southgate can play three at back with wan-bissaka playing at right center back with trent playing in right wing back position , this seems to be the best system to utilize both of their talents simultaneously. Let's leave the decision making to the manager..

Passing and attacking

Full-backs used to be judged first and foremost on their defending, but in the modern game they have to place far more emphasis on their attacking play.

Wan-Bissaka (79.9%) and Alexander-Arnold (75.8%) not much of a difference.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team attack down the wide areas and Alexander-Arnold makes an incredible 7.5 crosses per 90 minutes in the league, not including corners.

But Wan-Bissaka’s attacking game still leaves a lot to be desired and the 22-year-old is averaging just 2.86 crosses per 90 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, Alexander-Arnold also comes out on top for chances created (2.6 per 90 minutes)with Wan-Bissaka  creating (0.7)

Wan-Bissaka has 1.7 successful dribbles per 90 at a completion rate of 68.0% but Alexander-Arnold finds himself behind. (0.6 at 37.4%).

Defensive actions

Defending is the one area of Alexander-Arnold’s game that has come under some scrutiny this season.

Liverpool have been dominated most Premier League games in 2019-20 so Alexander-Arnold averages 1.6 successful tackles per 90 minutes and has a success rate of 53.3%.

However, Wan-Bissaka is miles ahead in this department as the United defender averages an incredible 3.8 successful tackles per 90 with an 82.6% success rate.

In terms of interceptions, Wan-Bissaka leads the way once again with 2.0 per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season.

That is followed by the Liverpool defender who has made 1.3 interceptions per 90 in the 

league so far.

Conclusion

So, what’s the conclusion?

Well, we’ll let the  user reveal all.

"Both  full-backs are excellent in their own way. Trent Alexander Arnold is an attacking full-back that excels when playing higher up the pitch , played a vital part in ending the title drought . Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a defensive beast, putting up great defensive numbers which have contributed to United qualifying to the Champions League this season."

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