Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is ready to battle Chelsea striker Diego Costa today.

Smalling knows he will face one of the toughest examinations of the season, trying to nullify Chelsea's street fighter Costa.

“Last season he didn't play in the two games so I haven't played against him yet. But I'm looking forward to it, shall I say," he told the Sunday Express.

Smalling reveals that he has added his own aggression to his cultured game – a combination which has made the Londoner one of the country's outstanding defenders this season.

He said: “I quite like being aggressive and horrible which gives you more confidence to dictate over strikers and to make them feel they have had a frustrating game when they've walked off the pitch, feeling very down."