This is a really big game. Maybe it’s not as big of a game as it’s been in the past thanks to Manchester United being average so far this season, but it really matters on several fronts.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Time, TV schedule and team news
Chelsea can expand their lead in the title race, while United could announce their return as a Champions League contender.
Chelsea have been rolling along comfortably this season scoring goals like it's going out of style and slowly opening up a comfortable lead at the top of the table as the league's only undefeated team. Thanks to second place Manchester City's loss against West Ham, a win for the Blues on Sunday would find them eight points clear of their biggest title rivals, and it's only October.
For Manchester United, they need to prove they can compete with the top teams in the Premier League. Considering all the money that has been spent and the collection of talent that has been assembled at Old Trafford, the excuses are going to start running out very quickly. United have improved recently, at least in terms of results, enough to move up to sixth place and get within striking distance on 4th. Sunday’s match against the Blues, who are the best team in the league, will be a chance to announce they’re back ... or that they’re good, but nothing special.
Key Player: David de Gea (Manchester United)
Everyone knows that Manchester United's defense has struggled this season, leaving goalkeeper David de Gea at the mercy of the opposition's strikers on a fairly regular basis. On some occasions, the young Spaniard has been able to stand on his head and help save points for his team, but sometimes there was simply nothing he could do. Considering how formidable Chelsea's offense is, they're going to create chances and it'll be up to de Gea to have a big day and make some big saves.
Key Matchup: Falco and/or Van Persie vs. Chelsea's back line and Thibaut Courtois
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The Blues have the Premier League's second best defense in terms of goal allowed this season. Their eight goals allowed is second only to Southampton, and it's quite an impressive number. Having probably the world's best goalkeeper helps a lot, but the men in front of him are hardly slouches. Depending on how many strikers Louis van Gaal's decides to deploy on Sunday, they're going to get a solid test with Radamel Falcao and/or Robin van Persie bombing forward with Angel di Maria in support.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Wayne Rooney (suspended). In Doubt: Jonny Evans (foot), Antonio Valencia (hamstring), Jesse Lingard (knee), Patrick McNair (hamstring)
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Loic Rémy (groin), Cesar Azpilicueta (suspended). In Doubt: Diego Costa (illness), Jon Obi Mikel (foot), Ramires (groin).
Does Diego Costa start? That’s the million question after the striker has missed a couple games with hamstring issues and an illness. Chances are he will start as the Blues need him, especially with Rémy sidelined, but we’ll have to wait and see. Wayne Rooney is United’s only certain absence as he serves the final game of a three match ban for a red card.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 5 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBC (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), Sportsnet Regional (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra, Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
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