With Chelsea among the first positions at the Premier League and Manchester United far even from the Champions League spots, it seems a match that could become a nightmare for the Portuguese manager. In fact, he has lost on his last three visits to Stamford Bridge, while the Red Devils have not won there since 2012.
Apart from the statistics, Maurizio Sarri has already improved considerably a squad that was fading down during the last season. In doing so, he has recovered Barkley even for the national team's benefit, and along with him, Kante and Jorginho are indeed a trio of midfielders capable of dominating a game but also quick on recovering the ball.
And especially, the high level showed by Eden Hazard is making Chelsea a serious candidate to lift the Premier League title. The Belgian is wanted by Real Madrid, and even though he has not hidden his desire to play with the Spaniards eventually, he has also clearly said that he will finish this season in West London.
Redemption or failure
In spite of the splendid come back done by Manchester United against Newcastle before the international break, José Mourinho is aware that many people would like to see him out of the club. Now, he must show the tactical masterclass that made him one of the best managers in this century.
Theoretically, it will be one of the toughest months of the season for Manchester United, who have to face Juventus twice, Chelsea and Manchester City in the next six matches.
Thus, if the Red Devils didn't get positives results in the next weeks, they would be virtually out from the Premier League fight too early and therefore, Mourinho perhaps would be witnessing the end of his career in Manchester.
On the other side of the coin, their rivals from the city will receive Burnley at home. Perhaps, Guardiola will rest some players in order to be better prepared for the Champions League, where Manchester City lost the first match and must fight hard to qualify.
The injuries weaken Liverpool
After playing with their national teams, Mané, Salah and Keïta probably won't be able to play in Huddersfield, meanwhile Van Dijk is a doubt. However, it seems a perfect opportunity for Shaqiri and Sturridge, who have not participated so much but have already shown their quality.
Fortunately for Klopp's team, they will have an apparently easier schedule than during the last month, and thus it might be the time doing some rotations.
Same for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who are also playing in Europe and they need their players in the best shape to keep fighting for every competition.
Precisely, Pochettino's team will visit West Ham in another London derby. Meanwhile, Arsenal will play against Leicester on Monday.
