The biggest battles ahead of the Premier League clash.
The biggest game for many in the upcoming Premier League weekend is Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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So in anticipation of that clash here are the five key battles CaughtOffside expects to see in the match.
Angel di Maria v Nemanja Matic
As shaky as United’s start to the season has been this British record £59.7m signing has been brilliant since his move from Real Madrid.
Despite picking up a knock against West Bromwich Ablbion on Monday, di Maria will be fit to play and Matic will have to prove he is the best defensive midfielder in the division.
Cesc Fabregas v Daley Blind
Something of a role reversal now as the Blues’ own summer import from La Liga – Fabregas joined from FC Barcelona for £30m – will come up against Blind.
The Netherlands international has looked solid in the holding role, but with seven assists to his name the Spaniard will be his toughest opponent yet.
Radamel Falcao v John Terry
With captain Wayne Rooney suspended and Robin van Persie continually struggling to find form, most of the pressure will fall on AS Monaco loanee Falcao’s shoulders.
The Colombia international is yet to truly show what he is capable of in the box and up against Terry he is sure to have an afternoon of physicality.
Eden Hazard v Rafael
Although Fabregas and Diego Costa have stolen many of the plaudits for their performances – the latter is likely to be missing at the Theatre of Dreams due to injury – Hazard has also been in outstanding form.
The Belgium international will come into the game on the back of having netted a midweek brace in the Champions League and Rafael’s often dubious defensive capabilities will be firmly tested.
Louis van Gaal v Jose Mourinho
However, one of the greatest battles could be between the two dugouts as two of the best managers of the modern game go head-to-head once again.
Mourinho’s team are in better form and will therefore be the favourites, but van Gaal will want to take revenge from the last time these two bosses met when Inter Milan beat his Bayern Munich team in the 2010 Champions League final.