Published 11:37 IST, October 28th 2019
Carabao Cup 2019-20: Chelsea vs Manchester United preview, build-up
In a blockbuster Carabao Cup clash, Chelsea play hosts to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 30.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
The fourth round of the Carabao Cup sees some exciting match-ups. Chelsea face off against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United after Arsenal pay a visit to Anfield on October 30. Manchester United will look to replicate their 4-0 victory against Chelsea on the opening day of the Premier League 2019-20 season.
However, the Blues have come a long way since their opening day defeat against the Red Devils. Having seen Eden Hazard depart for Real Madrid in the summer, many doubted Chelsea's goalscoring abilities before the start of the season. The Blues, however, welcomed back a number of youngsters this season, after seeing the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount spend last season on loan in the Championship. Mount and Abraham, particularly, have shined for the Blues, with Tammy Abraham netting eight goals in Chelsea's first nine games in the Premier League this season.
Man United's striking woes
Mason Mount has also impressed after a successful stint with Derby County. Their brilliant form has also seen them being called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euro Qualifiers. Manchester United, on the other hand, have flattered to deceive since prevailing over the Blues in their season opener. United sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan in the summer and also allowed Alexis Sanchez to leave on loan. Their departures have thinned United's striking options this season. The Red Devils have scored just 10 goals in their first nine Premier League games - the same tally as relegation battlers Norwich City.
United laboured to a 1-0 win over Partizan Belgrade in their midweek Europa League fixture and bagged a 1-3 away win against Norwich in the Premier League. The victory over the Serbian side did little to impress former Man United midfielder, Paul Scholes. Scholes, who dictated United's gameplay for years, blasted United's display against Partizan Belgrade, saying that the Red Devils played like a team of strangers. Having had Marcus Rashford and Daniel James come from the bench did little to boost United's goalscoring opportunities, as they required a penalty from Anthony Martial to seal their victory.
Chelsea vs Manchester United: A blockbuster clash
The Carabao Cup fixture could serve as an opportunity for both the clubs to test their bench strength going into a busy season. With a hectic Christmas schedule in the near future, both Chelsea and Manchester United could do well to have their fringe players rack up some much-needed game time. Chelsea vs Manchester United is scheduled to kick off at 1:35 am on October 30.
Updated 13:05 IST, October 28th 2019