Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for vital EPL clash

IANS  |  London 

All eyes will be on Bridge on Saturday when returns to face the club he managed twice in his career.

Defeat to would almost certainly have cost Mourinho his job, but Alexis' late goal now sets up a fascinating encounter against a Chelsea side that is currently second in the and level on 20 points with league leaders Manchester City.

New Chelsea boss has implemented a free-flowing attacking style of play that his players are clearly enjoying and that contrasts with Mourinho's conservative approach.

Although the London-based club perhaps lack a truly world class centre forward, with and guilty of missing chances, they have Eden Hazard in outstanding form as rumours over his future don't seem to be affecting the Belgian international.

The game sees some fascinating individual battles with French international midfielders and on opposite sides, while and his Manchester United counterpart are currently second and first choice in the Spanish national team.

More than anything, the game will be about contrasting styles: Chelsea's willingness to attack and to get their full backs into advanced positions and Mourinho's instincts to defend. However, the game showed that one thing is clear - when Manchester United do attack, they do it well.

Two weeks ago Mourinho had no alternative other than to throw his players forward and they responded by saving his job. Could he spring a surprise at Bridge or will he revert to defensive type?

Saturday also sees Manchester City in action as they entertain an improving could return in some capacity for Pep Guardiola's side after suffering a earlier this season.

travel to face a Huddersfield side who are without a win this campaign, while on Sunday, Arsenal look to make it 10 consecutive wins under Unai Emery as they entertain

There is a south-coast derby between sixth place and which should provide goals and a tense derby between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

will hope that Brighton can provide their first win of the campaign, while also aim to claim their first triumph since returning to the top-flight at home to Fulham.

Wolves entertain Watford, whose bubble has burst spectacularly after winning their first four matches of the season.

Everton look to consolidate their improvement under Marco Silva at home to Crystal Palace, who need to recover some of the form they showed at the start of the season in order to calm a few nerves.

--IANS

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First Published: Fri, October 19 2018. 15:44 IST