Manchester United vs Chelsea in the Premier League; Follow all the action with the live commentary and updates on Mad About EPL.
FULL TIME: Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea (Rashford – Pen 18′ 67′ Martial 65′ James 81′)
[liveblog]
The Premier League is back, and Old Trafford will witness the most anticipated game of the opening weekend with Manchester United set to take on Chelsea.
The Red Devils missed out on a top-four spot last season, and will want to target Champions League football at the very least this season. Chelsea, on the other hand, will look to achieve the same, and possibly even push Liverpool and Manchester City.
Both teams had a contrasting couple of months or so in the transfer season as Manchester United broke the record for a defender to sign Harry Maguire, and spent more than £100 million to strengthen their defence.
Chelsea signed Christian Pulisic in January and he will be a key player, but the transfer ban meant they couldn’t further strengthen their team. Frank Lampard has a tough task on his hands, but we could see a change in approach as the former star and club legend might give more opportunities to the younger players; something the club have been accused of not doing in the last decade or so.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could also give a few younger players more chances this season. Retaining Paul Pogba and David De Gea, two of the best in their respective positions, was imperative, and they have done that.
Manchester United vs Chelsea – Team News
Antonio Rudiger is back in training, but it’s unlikely he will start as Lampard will not want to rush him back. Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen could start at the back, as David Luiz made a surprise late move to London rivals Arsenal on deadline day.
In attack, we could see Tammy Abraham get the nod, and Ross Barkley’s experience means he might start in the number 10 role. Expect Mason mount to push the former Everton star in the season, though.
N’Golo Kante is a doubt, so Mateo Kovacic might start alongside Jorginho in midfield.
Pulisic is expected to make his Chelsea debut for the Blues, and he might feature as the inverted winger on the left-wing.
For Manchester United, the duo of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Maguire are expected to feature at the back straight away. Scott McTominay might get the nod to feature alongside Pogba, while Romelu Lukaku’s departure means Solskjaer might start Anthony Martial up top.
Martial was given the number 9 jersey, and will want to make an impact straight away against Chelsea. New signing Daniel James might also start on the right-wing.
Manchester United vs Chelsea – Predicted Lineups
Manchester United probable lineup: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Pogba, McTominay, James, Lingard, Rashford, Martial
Chelsea probable lineup: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, Emerson, Kovacic, Jorginho, Pedro, Barkley, Pulisic, Abraham
Manchester United vs Chelsea – Live Stream, Kick Off Time, Where to watch
Live stream: Hot Star
Kick-off time: 9:00 pm IST, 4:30 pm BST
Where to watch: Star Sports Select, HD
