TEAM NEWS
David Moyes must decide whether to include Wayne Rooney in his Manchester United starting line-up to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday. The England forward was introduced as a substitute in last week’s win at Swansea and after a further week’s training could come into contention to face the club who have already had two bids for him turned down. Rafael (hamstring) is out for up to four weeks, with Nani (groin), Ashley Young (ankle) and Javier Hernandez (hamstring) also not expected to be involved.
Chelsea defender David Luiz is doubtful for Monday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United as Jose Mourinho bids to strike an early blow in the title race. Brazilian centre-back Luiz has a hamstring problem and missed the first two Premier League fixtures of the season, against Hull and Aston Villa, but could return at Old Trafford or for next Friday’s UEFA Super Cup clash with Bayern Munich in Prague. Mourinho could rotate his options, with Romelu Lukaku in line to start up front. Defender Tomas Kalas suffered a fractured leg in pre-season and is out.
MANAGER QUOTES
David Moyes: “I came for this sort of level of game but I also came to win trophies. To do that you have to beat the likes of Chelsea. It’s a great first home game for us to have. They have started strongly, have good players and are a good team. There’s not a big change to the team – they just have a new manager, a bit like us.”
Jose Mourinho: “I think (Willian) has already made his decision. (Mourinho then nods when asked if the decision is Chelsea). I don’t like to speak before time because football can be crazy. I know what the player wants, so in this moment we cannot hide. That is a possibility.”
MATCH FACTS
Robin van Persie has now scored nine goals in his last eight Premier League appearances.
Chelsea could become the first team ever to win two Premier League games at Old Trafford versus Man Utd in a calendar year.
Manchester United have suffered 14 Premier League defeats against Chelsea; more than against any other side.
The Red Devils’ win percentage against Chelsea in the Premier League is just 31%; their lowest figure against an opponent in the competition.
These two sides met five times in 2012/13 in all competitions, with Chelsea prevailing three times and losing just once.
Javier Hernandez has scored in six of his last nine appearances against Chelsea in all competitions.
Jose Mourinho has lost just two of his seven competitive games as a manager at Old Trafford (W3 D2 L2).
Wayne Rooney provided two assists as a substitute versus Swansea. This only happened in the Premier League only twice in the whole of 2012-13 (Oscar & Hope Akpan).
A win in this game will ensure Chelsea have won their opening three league games in four of the last five seasons.
Juan Mata has scored in each of the last three Barclays Premier League games between Chelsea and Manchester United.