Daley Blind Anticipates Tactical Showdown when Manchester United and Chelsea Collide

Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind is anticipating an intense tactical battle with Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho pit their wits against each other at Old Trafford.

The Blues will provide van Gaal with his first test against elite Premier League opposition on Sunday as the two coaches face off for only the second time in their careers.

The 2010 Champions League final between Mourinho's Inter Milan and van Gaal's Bayern Munich saw the Portuguese coach come out on top, masterminding a victory that culminated in treble success for the Nerazzurri.

Blind, brought to Old Trafford by the Dutch coach this summer, is expecting another meticulous exchange between the two managers on Sunday but insists United will be playing with the intention of consigning Chelsea to their first defeat of the season.

"We have to play our own tactical game and then we have to play as a team to win," Blind told United's official programme United Review.

"Maybe it will be a tactical affair. I think both coaches are very strong at that point, so maybe it will be a tight game."

Having taken 21 points from a possible 24 in the league this season, Chelsea will enter the contest considered heavy favourites. United have remained unconvincing this season under van Gaal despite noticeable progression in the final third and are still without a win away from home in four attempts after just about salvaging a 2-2 draw with West Brom on Monday.

Their improving form at Old Trafford is reason for optimism, however. After the opening season loss to Swansea City, United have since racked up wins against Queens Park Rangers, West Ham and Everton on their own turf.

Chelsea's minor crisis up front could hand van Gaal and United a boost. Mourinho has indicated Diego Costa, who missed the weekend win over Crystal Palace and the hammering of NK Maribor on Tuesday, and Loic Remy, who picked up an injury in that match, are unlikely to play on Sunday.