‘SARRI FLAIR UP AGAINST JOSE STEEL’

MAURIZIO SARRI has given Chelsea new life through attacking flair, while Jose Mourinho has introduced grey steel to Manchester United.

But, according to former Chelsea midfielder Pat Nevin, that is exactly why Saturday’s game will live up to the hype rather than producing the sort of flop served up by Liverpool and Manchester City two weeks ago.

Former Chelsea midfielder Nevin said: “I think United will almost certainly use their power and physique, possibly more than any other time under the leadership of the current manager.

“That is not to deride this tactic. In their position, I would be sorely tempted to do exactly the same thing.

“Looking at Chelsea so far this season and the style imposed by Maurizio Sarri, does it really seem like a sensible plan to try to outpass the Blues? Obviously not, so expect the big physical guns to be deployed, especially from set-pieces.” However, Nevin says that pundits should stop being so critical of

the way Mourinho has set out his team this season.

He said: “There are those who are sniffy about United’s current style, but I revel in the fact that different styles can exist and work well in the Premier League. This is what makes it exceptional.

“The joy is that both coaches will be thinking in different ways and that is why this will be one of the most intriguing games of the season.

“Especially when you compare it to the game the other week between Liverpool and Man City where their similarities cancelled each other out.

“Happily, that will not happen this time and, as such, it should live up to the hype.

“My respect for the current Man United team is certainly not grudging.

“So much so that I think this Saturday is actually going to be a tougher game for Chelsea than the recent visit from Liverpool that ended 1-1.

“Maybe the most interesting thing for me – apart from how United will try to stop Jorginho controlling the game and Eden Hazard causing them mayhem, obviously – is how Sarri will adapt to make sure those two players are

still pivotal.”