Chelsea vs Manchester United: Match Preview and Prediction

Manchester United are all set to travel to Stamford Bridge in search of three points, which can get them close to the Champions League spot.

The two teams have managed to win just one out of their last five games in the Premier League. Chelsea lost one game while Manchester United lost three. This poor run of performance has pushed the Red Devils to the ninth spot with six points off fourth place. While the Blues are on the fourth position with two points more than the fifth-placed Sheffield United.

With Manchester City getting banned from the next two seasons of the Champions League, which they are planning to appeal soon. The fifth-placed team will qualify for the next UCL. This should be a motivation for United as a win at Stamford Bridge can help them in closing down to the fifth spot.

The two sides have already faced each other two times in the ongoing campaign. The first game took place at Old Trafford where United defeated the Blues 4-0. The second fixture took place in the EFL Cup, which the Red Devils managed to win 2-1, thanks to the amazing free-kick goal of Marcus Rashford.

With both Chelsea and Manchester United struggling this season. The January transfer window was their opportunity to strengthen their respective squads. The transfer ban on the Blues was reduced due to their appeal, however, the much-speculated striker didn’t land at Stamford Bridge. The Red Devils, on the other hand, managed to sign Bruno Fernandes to provide some stability in the midfield.

Injury Update

Chelsea will be without the service of Marco van Ginkel and Christian Pulisic as both the players are suffering from an injury.

United, on the other hand, will be without Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, and Axel Tuanzebe.

Key Battles:

Tammy Abraham vs Harry Maguire

Tammy Abraham surprised everybody with his performance in the ongoing season and fixed his place in the starting XI of Chelsea. The Englishman has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in his 24 league appearances.

Harry Maguire, on the other hand, became the most expensive defender in the world after his transfer to Manchester United. The Englishman, however, failed to create an instant impact and his inconsistency in the ongoing season has made United vulnerable at the back.

The Chelsea striker has scored only twice in England’s top flight since 7th December, which means he will be looking to start the last phase of the league with a goal. Maguire, however, will be standing like a wall in front of Abraham and it will be difficult for the striker to get past him

Fikayo Tomori vs Anthony Martial

This is going to be an interesting battle as the two players are eager to create an impact and help their side in winning the game. It won’t be, however, a walk in the park for any of them as both have good support.

Fikayo Tomori had a decent season so far as he made two tackles per game and 2.5 clearances per game in his 14 appearances for Chelsea. Anthony Martial, on the other hand, has scored eight goals and provided three assists in his 19 league appearances this season.

The United winger is going to be under immense pressure as his side depends on him for a goal in the absence of Rashford. The Frenchman, however, will get support from new signings such as Fernandes and Odion Ighalo.

It will be a tough night for Tomori as he is up against quick and young players. The performance of the Englishman in this game will determine whether Chelsea can depend on him for the long-term or not.

Prediction

Chelsea have lost four games at Stamford Bridge this season, meanwhile, with Liverpool, West Ham United, Bournemouth, and Southampton. United, on the other hand, lost their last fixture at Chelsea’s home back in November 2017, however, the last win came back in October 2012.

Even in the head-to-head battle, United are way ahead of Chelsea winning 80 fixtures in comparison to the 54 wins of the Blues. There have been 51 fixtures between the two sides where none of the team were able to register a victory.

So, keeping everything in mind, I believe that Manchester United will score a couple of goals with the help of their new signings. The home side will get one goal back, but it won’t be enough to clinch points from this fixture.

Predicted score: Chelsea 1 – 2 Manchester United