Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford in a blockbuster rescheduled Premier League encounter.
Victory would see Man Utd stay sixth but move to within two points of the top four, whereas Chelsea will stay third but can open an eight-point lead over fourth-placed Arsenal with a win.
Team News
Jadon Sancho is ruled out for Man Utd as he recovers from tonsillitis which has prevented him from training this week.
Harry Maguire (knee), Luke Shaw (leg), Fred (hip), Paul Pogba (calf), Edinson Cavani (calf) and Mason Greenwood (personal) will also be absent.
Chelsea could have Andreas Christiansen back in contention after he missed Sunday’s win over West Ham with stomach cramp.
Antonio Rudiger (groin/hamstring) and Reece James (knock) are both doubts and will face late fitness tests.
Mateo Kovacic (ankle), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) and Ben Chilwell (knee) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Manchester United have lost just one of their last 10 league meetings against Chelsea (W4, D5, L1).
- Chelsea are winless in their last eight league visits to Old Trafford (D5, L3).
- Three of the last five draws between Man Utd and Chelsea at Old Trafford have finished goalless.
- 12 of Cristiano Ronaldo’s 16 league goals for Utd this season have been scored on his right foot.
- Kai Havertz has scored four goals in Chelsea’s last three away matches in the Premier League.
Prediction
Following another lacklustre display in Saturday’s loss at Arsenal, Man Utd simply must win this game if they’re to keep their top-four hopes alive but they need to sort out their atrocious defensive ability and take their chances clinically to stand any chance here.
Chelsea meanwhile dominated West Ham yet struggled to break down a stubborn Hammers’ defence until their opposition were reduced to 10 men, yet can take heart from a strong attacking press and movement but just need to improve their finishing to guarantee victory here.
Much of this result though will hinge on Utd sorting out their defending because if their defence is still messy – especially with Maguire ruled out, Chelsea really should fancy their chances if they get on the front foot early and dominate.
Prediction: Manchester United 0-2 Chelsea
Result: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
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