5 Things To Watch For During Manchester United vs. Chelsea

Louis van Gaal is still tinkering with his first team lineup as he searches for the best balance and blend for his team. Ander Herrera struggled against West Bromwich Albion on Monday, but Marouane Fellaini played well after replacing Herrera at half time. Van Gaal may ultimately decide to pack his midfield, given the opposition, but regardless, the personnel he selects for the center of midfield will be of great significance to United's chances.

Cesc Fabregas can play a couple of positions in the midfield, but his role needs more consideration for the bigger games. Against much inferior competition, Chelsea can afford to play Fabregas alongside Nemanja Matic, but against bigger rivals, Matic may need more defensive help than just Fabregas alone. Ramires or John Obi Mikel could be called upon, and Willian will almost certainly play to add additional defensive work to the team.

Chelsea are among the most physical teams in the Premier League, whilst Manchester United are among the smaller teams around. Chelsea will be a huge threat from set-pieces in this game, and van Gaal will have some important decisions to make trying to balance that out. Some of his more physical players like Fellaini, and even the returning Michael Carrick, will come into consideration for the starting lineup.

Ever since Radamel Falcao signed, Manchester United fans have drooled over the prospect of having Falcao, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney playing together in attack. Van Gaal has been reluctant to play the three together, though, and even with Rooney suspended, van Gaal has still been hesitant to play just Falcao and van Persie together. The two might just fire United to glory against Chelsea, but is it a risk van Gaal is willing to take?

Chelsea need Diego Costa desperately. In his absence, the team has coped well, but that would not continue in the long term. Neither Didier Drogba, at this stage of his career, or Loic Remy, with his injury record, are capable of carrying Chelsea to the heights they are currently hoping to attain this season. A fit Costa is a necessity in the long run, and, of course, for big games like the one against United.