Event of the Day: Chelsea versus Manchester United
Our event of the day is the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London. Hosts Chelsea have had a strong start to the campaign, keeping pace with preseason title favourites Manchester City and Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League. Chelsea’s players have bought into the new philosophies implemented by Maurizio Sarri since his appointment in July, and have thoroughly reaped the rewards. The Blues are unbeaten so far with six wins from eight. This is no mean feat considering they have already come up against Arsenal and Liverpool. Eden Hazard has been in sumptuous form, picking up from where he left off at the World Cup. The stylish Belgian playmaker is the leagues top scorer with seven goals. If his irresistible form continues, Manchester United will have a job trying to stop him.
Visitors United eased the pressure on manager José Mourinho thanks to their last gasp comeback win over Newcastle two weeks ago. The Red Devils were 2-0 down within ten minutes, but scored in the dying seconds to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory. However, there’s no respite for the self-proclaimed “Special One” as he faces a trip to the club he guided to three league titles. Mourinho is yet to win at Stamford Bridge since he departed with the Blues wallowing at the lower end of the Premier League back in 2015. United have suffered their joint worst start to a Premier League, but will be hoping the win over Newcastle represents a turning point. There would be no better way to silence the critics than with three points against second place Chelsea. Expect a fierce encounter as two giants of English football go head to head.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the fourth ODI between Sri Lanka and England at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele. England lead the series 2-0 after a convincing seven wicket win on Wednesday. They now know victory today will secure them the series. In women’s cricket, the second ODI between Australia and Pakistan commences in Abu Dhabi. In the NBA, the LA Lakers face the Houston Rockets, whilst in the NHL, the San Jose Sharks take on the New York Islanders. In Austin, qualifying gets underway for the Formula One United States Grand Prix. There’s also qualifying in Japan, where it’s the Japan MotoGP. Saracens continue their quest for European Champions Cup glory, as they welcome Lyon to Allianz Park in London. Elsewhere in the UK, it’s British Champions Day at the illustrious Ascot racecourse. ATP and WTA World Tour action is on display in Moscow at the Kremlin Cup. European Tour golf comes from the Valderrama Golf Club. Further sporting action in Spain comes from Camp Nou, where Barcelona host Seville in La Liga. In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich face a tough trip to Wolfsburg, whilst in Serie A, Juventus host Genoa. In MLB, it’s game 7 of the NLCS between the Milwaukee Brewers and the LA Dodgers at Miller Park.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Chelsea; Manchester United