PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bailly - Ivorian defender faces Blues test

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Nov 03, 2017. 19:00

Eric Bailly and Manchester United will be given a stern test of their mettle this weekend when they face Premier League champions Chelsea.

The Blues will host the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening, kick-off at 18h30 CAT.

Bailly has returned to the United starting XI this past week after a lengthy absence, helping the team record wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Benfica in the Premier League and Champions League respectively.

The presence of the Elephants defender has helped stabilise the backline, with his pace and anticipation particularly prevalent.

Yet the long spell out of the team has had its effects on Bailly’s fitness, with the 23-year-old notably struggling with fatigue in the midweek clash against Benfica.

He will have had almost four days of rest before the Chelsea match and, barring any injuries picked up in training, is likely to start on Sunday evening.

United defeated Chelsea 2-0 when the teams last met back in April, but they have a poor record at Stamford Bridge in recent years, failing to win an away league clash against the Blues since October 2012.