Let's freshen up on how both teams have performed in recent fixtures. Manchester United crushed Tottenham Hotspur, coached by Conte, 2:0 at home in last week's match, and head coach Ten Hag even asserted after the match that it was probably the best game of the season for United; while Chelsea, since losing to Dinamo Zagreb in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on September 7, has managed to keep a clean sheet in all their matches, especially after the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, and Graham Potter's excellent performance. Especially after the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter has done a great job, and Chelsea is still a strong Big 6 team that should not be underestimated.
A look at the starting lineups of both sides
For United, the only change from the last game was the substitution of the fit-again Eriksen for the in-form Fred, and while Fred did well, I can understand Ten Hag's change in formation. After all, Fred's ability to read the game, protect the ball, and pass the ball on the field is far inferior to Eriksen's. Although Eriksen doesn't have the stamina to fight for the ball as much as Fred does, his accurate passing has been the key to United's successes this season. Compared to Fred, who can only run and defend, Eriksen, who is more efficient in passing and better at participating in the offense, is Ten Hag's preferred candidate.
On Chelsea's side, the three center back lineup inherited from the Kondi era was still continued as the starting lineup, with Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah as the core of the defense, while defender Marc Cucurella was more involved in attacking and organizing the passing game. Up front, summer vacation import Aubameyang served as the attacking arrowhead, partnering with Sterling and Mount for this match, with few changes to the overall lineup and positions filled by stable personnel.
As the game progressed into the ninth minute, Shaw took a long-range shot from just outside the box on the left, but unfortunately it went wide.
In the 13th minute, Antoni took a pass from captain Barcelona just outside the box and attempted a long-range shot with his customary left foot, but it was parried away by Kepa.
In the 28th minute, Barcelona's pinpoint cross from just outside the box found Rashford, who got forward in time, but Kepa accurately anticipated and stepped up to block the ball off the line.
In the 32nd minute, the referee awarded a yellow card to Antoni after he stepped on an opponent's left foot while grabbing the ball in the midfield position.
In the 33rd minute, Rashford attempted a shot from the right side of the goal that was once again parried by Kepa.
In the 36th minute, hosts Chelsea made a substitution, replacing Kucurella with Kovacic as the team's formation changed from three defenders to four.
In the 41st minute, Aubameyang took a sublime pass from a teammate and tried to stop the ball in the penalty area, but unfortunately couldn't make it and the ball went out of the end zone.
In the 45th minute, Martinez headed the ball upfield and Barcelona played a precise pass to the intervening Antoni, but Antoni failed to capitalize on the opportunity and kicked the ball off the line. (big chance)
Martinez blocked a Loftus-Cheek drive and cleared the ball off the line in the 49th minute, but Chelsea didn't take advantage of the ball.
In the 51st minute, United replaced Sancho with Fred in a more conservative substitution strategy.
In the 59th minute, Varane left the field with an injury and Lindelof came on as a substitute.
In the 62nd minute, Shaw overlapped forward to open up space for Fred, but Fred didn't capitalize on the opportunity.
Chelsea missed a great chance to get on the board first in the 73rd minute when a Chelsea corner kick saw Chalobah scramble a header that bounced off the center post.
In the 75th minute, Aubameyang was replaced with U.S. captain Pulisic.
In the 76th minute, Barcelona attempted a long range shot from outside the box, but it was parried away by Kepa.
