Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in a crucial Monday Night Football clash, as both teams look to battle for a top five finish.
A win will see Chelsea stay fourth but move to within six points of third-placed Leicester, whilst Man Utd can climb to seventh with victory.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesTammy Abraham is a doubt for Chelsea due to a foot injury but will be handed a late fitness test.
Christian Pulisic (groin) could also be in contention but Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Achilles) is still a few weeks away from a first-team return, whilst Marco van Ginkel (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Manchester United will have midfielder, Nemanja Matic available after he served an one match ban in their goalless draw against Wolves a fortnight ago.
Odion Ighalo could also feature if he can prove his match fitness in time after signing on loan from Shanghai Shenhua on Deadline Day.
Scott McTominay (knee) is unlikely to be risked ahead of Thursday’s Europa League trip to Club Brugge.
Lee Grant (unspecified), Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Axel Tuanzebe (both thigh), Paul Pogba (foot) and Marcus Rashford (back) remain ruled out.
Form
Chelsea enter this match with one defeat in their last five league games (W1, D3, L1), whilst keeping just one clean sheet in their last five home games which came in a three goal win over Burnley last month.
Man Utd head into this game with just four points from their last five league outings (W1, D1, L3), failing to score in four of those matches except a four goal home win over Norwich last month.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have won just one of their last six league meetings against Manchester United (W1, D2, L3).
- Man Utd haven’t won in any of their last six league trips to Stamford Bridge (D2, L4).
- 251 yellow cards have been dished out in 55 previous Premier League meetings between these two teams, with an average of five yellow cards awarded per match.
- This Premier League fixture has seen more draws than wins for either team, with 21 clashes finishing level whilst Chelsea took 18 victories to United’s 16 wins.
- Only Leicester’s Ricardo Pereira has made more tackles than Utd’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, producing 108 tackles to Wan Bissaka’s 88.
Prediction
After enjoying a lengthy winter break, Chelsea surely will view this as a must-win game to realistically keep themselves on course for more Champions League football next season.
Man Utd however need to raise their game because to go four league games without scoring is a concern, especially given that whoever finishes fifth could now qualify for the Champions League next season which represents their best realistic hope.
I therefore expect to see both teams going for the win here but defending seems to be a concern for both teams, although Man Utd seem to lack any real firepower so am going for a late home winner.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
Result: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United
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