Home ›› 16 Oct 2021 ›› Sport
Manchester United must defy injury problems as they look to get back on track at Leicester, while leaders Chelsea cannot underestimate a Brentford team unfazed by big reputations.
After the adrenaline rush of Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford, reality has started to bite for Manchester United. Ronaldo's goal spree at the start of his second spell with United following his move from Juventus papered over some cracks in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side that threaten to derail their bid for a first major trophy since 2017. Hampered by inconsistent attacking play and defensive blunders, United have won just two of their past six games in all competitions.
France defender Raphael Varane will be sidelined for several weeks with a groin injury, while Harry Maguire is not certain to return against Leicester after a calf problem.
With United facing Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City over the next month, there is no time for Solskjaer and company to lick their wounds.
Chelsea face Brentford test
Off the pitch, the financial gulf between European champions Chelsea and their west London neighbours Brentford is vast, but Saturday's first league match between the clubs for 74 years could be a lot closer than it appears on paper.
While Chelsea can call on some of the most expensive players in Europe, their unheralded neighbours have returned to the top flight for the first time since 1947 thanks to the shrewd use of analytics in the transfer market and manager Thomas Frank's tactics.
Brentford have already bloodied the noses of some of their more illustrious top-flight peers, beating Arsenal 2-0 and holding Liverpool to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Chelsea's hopes of retaining their narrow lead at the top rest on matching Brentford's intensity levels, with N'Golo Kante's return from the coronavirus providing a boost for Thomas Tuchel's side.
