Spotlight on out-of-form strikers Alvaro Morata of Chelsea and Man United's Romelu Lukaku as both giants clash in English Premier League today
Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku will be under pressure to fire their teams back into the Premier League title race when the misfiring strikers clash in Chelsea's showdown with Manchester United on Sunday. Chelsea forward Morata and United front-man Lukaku were the toast of their clubs after celebrating their close-season transfers with a barrage of goals. But, with Chelsea and United battling to keep pace with leaders Manchester City, Morata and Lukaku have lost their midas touch at the wrong moment, putting them under the microscope at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Chelsea's Alvaro Morata in action during a Premier League match against Arsenal in September this year
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Off colour Lukaku
Lukaku was off to a fast start, netting 11 times in his first 10 games. However, he finds himself in the midst of a barren spell stretching back six games to the end of September. Lukaku responded to the doubters by admitting he is still a work in progress. "You can't judge me as the finished article. I'd rather have a career where year after year I improve rather than going to the top and decline," he said. "I know I have a lot of talent, but I want to have more assists, I want to make sure when my team is in difficulties they can count on me," he added.
After missing out on Lukaku, Conte settled for Morata as an expensive consolation prize. Morata hit the ground running with seven goals in his first seven games following his club record $75 million move from Real Madrid. But, like Lukaku, the Spaniard has failed to score in his last six games, earning criticism for some lethargic displays.
Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku. Pics/Getty Images
Fourth placed Chelsea are four points behind second placed United and nine points adrift of table-toppers City. United are five points behind City after winning only one of their last three league games, although they made it three successive wins in all competitions by beating Benfica in midweek. Mourinho will be hoping for better luck on his latest return to Chelsea—the club where he won three English titles and was sacked twice—after United lost both their visits last season.
Spurs face Crystal Palace
Mauricio Pochettino has vowed his Tottenham Hotspur players will remain grounded when they face Crystal Palace, the bottom side on Sunday. Tottenham are still basking in the adulation that has come their way since they beat Champions League holders Real Madrid 3-1 beneath the Wembley arch last week. "We must be focused. We must use the result to lift us and build confidence," said the Tottenham manager. Spurs' 1-0 defeat at Manchester United last weekend left them eight points below leaders Manchester City in third place.
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