Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Key Issues That Will Shape Premier League Game
Last season, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea gave tips and clues as to how their 2014-15 campaign might begin. With the addition of a world-class striker and a brilliant midfielder to replace Frank Lampard, it was crystal clear that the Blues would be the team to beat.
Chelsea now bring the only remaining undefeated record in the Premier League to Manchester United, looking to defend their imperious start towards championship glory.
Mourinho's boys have been on a wonderful run of form, winning seven of their eight matches and drawing once, per BBC Sport.
Louis van Gaal's side have shown flashes of brilliance since the start of his tenure but with a worrying lack of consistency in the defensive area.
Here, we take a look at the key issues that will shape one of the top club matches in world football this Sunday.
Can United Select a Defence to Stop Chelsea?
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It is the fundamental question of Sunday's battle between Manchester United and Chelsea that needs to be answered:
Can Louis van Gaal select a defensive unit with enough quality to stop Chelsea's irrepressible attack?
The Blues have been magnificent this term with an amazing 23 goals in eight matches. Chelsea may well have lost a goalscoring legend in Frank Lampard in the summer, but what Jose Mourinho has built since his second coming is a ruthless and efficient football team.
New defensive additions to the United fold have slowly settled in their environment, with Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw automatic picks. But the sheer scale of the Red Devils' injury list has destroyed any cohesion that they have tried to attain.
Phil Jones is now back, with Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling soon to be in full contention, but Sunday might just come too early for LvG to put out a fully competent back four.
Diego Costa's Health Is Vital to the Blues
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There were a few doubters that felt Diego Costa might not be the real deal, and would be exposed in the aggressive arena of Premier League football—but oh how foolish those doubters were.
Costa has exploded during his short time in England and has already proved he is right to be considered one of the best strikers on the planet.
But his health is an issue for Jose Mourinho, with continual strains and sickness, per Adam Shergold of the Mail Online.
Shergold says that the Spanish international is major doubt after "being taken to hospital with a mystery illness."
His absence would be a massive blow for Chelsea, as Costa has shown what they missed last year as they chased Manchester City in the league.
United will be delighted to see the Brazilian-born attacker miss out on Sunday, but do not be surprised to see him make a miraculous recovery in order to feature.
Louis Van Gaal to Employ a 5-3-2?
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Louis van Gaal is famous for his attacking philosophy but as he proved at the recent World Cup, he will shut the door on an opponent when he has to.
The Netherlands played 5-3-2 with great success in Brazil and LvG continued to use the formation through United's pre-season as the team defeated the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Chelsea now offer United their first real world-class threat this term as the Stamford Bridge side visit Old Trafford.
This could be the match where Van Gaal tries primarily to retain a clean sheet and sacrifices flair.
The return of Michael Carrick could see him play as the third centre-back, sweeping between Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. It is a role he is more than capable of playing, and his range of passing will be utilised from deep.
Chelsea are likely to want to play on the counter-attack but if United can draw them out, the roles could be reversed, playing into the hands of Angel Di Maria's explosive pace.
Brains or Brawn? Juan Mata or Marouane Fellaini?
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If Louis van Gaal decides that 5-3-2 is not a viable option and sticks with the shape he has used in recent weeks, he has one major dilemma to solve:
Does he stick with the meandering Juan Mata or does he lean towards form?
Marouane Fellaini helped rescue a point for the Reds at West Brom with a fine second-half goal and display after appearing from the subs bench.
It was the Fellaini we all knew and feared from his Everton days—strong and awkward, and impossible to mark as he joined the attack—showing he is still a genuine threat in the box.
Chelsea's own strong physical presence might see Fellaini get the nod as LvG looks to add some muscle to his side.
Mata has looked nowhere near his best in the last couple of games, and if any team will know how to shut him down, it is Mourinho's collective.
Fellaini could be LvG's joker in the pack as he searches for a way of putting Chelsea on the back foot.
Left-Back Dilemma for the Red Devils
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The hype about Luke Shaw dates back years and it was no surprise when United beat Chelsea to the punch and offered the teenager a huge deal to leave Southampton.
But also as expected, it will take the left-back some time to settle at Old Trafford and show the country why he is so highly rated.
Just at this present time, Shaw is struggling. There is certainly a communication issue between him and Marcos Rojo on the left but this is sure to improve in time as the pair build bridges and adapt.
However, with Chelsea in town there is the option to leave out the young England international and park the bus, with either Rojo or Daley Blind filling in.
Shaw will find his best form eventually but the road to travel is long and winding before we see it. Chelsea will surely exploit him if they get the opportunity to do so. He will be strongly targeted if he starts.
Shut Down Cesc Fabregas, Shut Down Chelsea
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It was not that long ago that Arsenal fans were screaming at United supporters, saying Cesc Fabregas would never join the Red Devils and ruin his legendary status with the Gunners.
However, Fabregas did indeed depart Barcelona and ended up in Jose Mourinho's talented Chelsea midfield.
Cesc has looked every bit the consummate artist since his arrival back in London and it appears that Roman Abramovich has approved one of his team's best purchases.
He has controlled matches from the centre of the park, just as he once did for Arsene Wenger and his former Premier League club.
If United want to stop Chelsea, they must simply stop Fabregas, first and foremost. His vision from deep sets the ball rolling for Mourinho's side and if he is given time and space, the Blues will win the match.
Fabregas is fast becoming the most influential player in England, and this is assured to continue at the weekend.
Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria Must Start for United to Win
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When you pay the best part of £60 million for an individual, you know what you are getting and what you want from their performances.
So far, Angel Di Maria has not disappointed with a string of top displays, dancing his way down the left for United.
However, the Argentina international limped off against West Brom and his involvement against Chelsea is called into doubt.
Radamel Falcao was also left out of the starting side against WBA, after a long journey travelling back from international duty, but should now be ready to start in Wayne Rooney's absence.
United will need ADM and El Tigre to be at their mercurial best if they are to flip the form book on its head and topple Chelsea.
Louis van Gaal bought these two players to United for the big occasions, and with a reduced programme this season, the game against Jose Mourinho's side is somewhat of a cup final for the Red Devils.
