Bonfire night - MC vs Arsenal, MU vs Chelsea

[cht]

Big games before the international break.

MC vs Arsenal

Do Arsenal go for it or sit back soak up the pressure then hit back on the counter ?

"Arsenal will not hide against Manchester City." ----Arsene Wenger

That sets the tone for the match from Arsenal's pov, that's great. It has to be matched with the same passion on the pitch.

It's kamikaze if Arsenal plays defensive, their back3 is woeful has no chance to stop MC's attack. Their only chance is to trade blow for blow, try their best to stay compact and disciplined to disrupt MC's flow in midfield. Defence starts at midfield, not the last 3rd of the pitch. If they stay even till halftime, there's everything to play for.

link:s://:.arsenal.com/news/ramsey-we-need-be-brave-possession

Arsenal will concede, MC's defence has leaked 2 goals to West Brom, another 2goals to Napoli.

Prediction : MC 3 - Arsenal 2

MU vs Chelsea

Big game both sides has to win to stay in touch with MC going into winter.

MU has the best defence, Conte's talented side is on a slide, some sought of crisis building up which may see him get the sack if things don't perk up. He can't afford to lose at home.

Mourinho is expected to sit back in defence soak up the pressure, then inject pace in the 2nd half with Martial, Fellaini, Lingard.

Prediction : MU 1 Chelsea 1

[DoctorSudoku]

MU vs Chelsea

Big game both sides has to win to stay in touch with MC going into winter.

MU has the best defence, Conte's talented side is on a slide, some sought of crisis building up which may see him get the sack if things don't perk up. He can't afford to lose at home.

Mourinho is expected to sit back in defence soak up the pressure, then inject pace in the 2nd half with Martial, Fellaini, Lingard.

Prediction : MU 1 Chelsea 1

In the Man U vs Chelsea match, a lot depends on whether Ngolo Kante is back or not. If he is, then it will be a competitive match and anything can happen (a win for either side or a draw).

If he is absent, Man U should win -- without proper midfield protection (Fabregas and Bakoyoko are NOT defensive midfielders),  that Chelsea defense  is too porous to contain Lukaku, Rashford, Martial, Lingard, and company. Of course, if Mourinho plays with the hand brakes on (as he did against Liverpool), then he will be unnecessarily squandering an opportunity to get the full three points.

[cht]

The reason why I didn't pick MU to win the game although Chelsea is very much on the back-foot is that the last MU victory at Stamford Bridge goes back to 2012 Van Persie led victory over 9 man Chelsea. Conte cannot lose this game else he might get the boot sooner than later. I expect a war where both sides tactically don't want to lose and Mourinho is expected to cautiously turn on the heat in the last 20mins. So likely draw but a disgruntled blues might disintegrate and win is a huge boost to MU's title hopes.

[cht]

I'm having fun tonight. Totts got me my 1st win. Hurray ! 

Arsenal beat MC. I know it's a crazy idea but a small sum for the fun.

MU beat Chelsea. They should.

Watford beat Everton. Another should.