Chelsea will host Manchester United in a potentially season-defining match for the Blues, following their 2-0 loss at Newcastle in their previous match.
Manchester United, sitting in 16th in the Premier League table, do not have much riding on this match ahead of their Europa League final against Spurs.
On the other hand, Chelsea will see this as a must-win game should they want to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Enzo Maresca’s side currently sits in 5th place in what is the tightest battle for the Champions League the Premier League has seen in recent years.
The pair last met in November, where they drew 1-1 in a game that saw a wondergoal from Moises Caicedo.
Manchester United’s Away Form:
United’s form away from home this season is incredibly concerning for fans of the Red Devils ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Out of their 18 away matches they have played, United have lost eight and only won four (Southampton, Leicester, Manchester City, Fulham).
They have scored 21 goals and conceded 25 on their travels this season, leaving them with a better goal difference than they have had at home this season.
Their most recent away match in the Premier League was against Brentford in a match which they lost 4-3.
For the most part, Stamford Bridge has been a tough place for teams to visit this season, so United will have to perform better than they have done on their travels recently, with what will likely be a weaker starting eleven looking ahead to the Europa League final.
Chelsea’s Home Form:
Chelsea’s form at Stamford Bridge has been the best part of their season as the Blues have only lost two of their 18 home matches in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca’s side has claimed victory at home 11 times, helping them towards a total of 38 points gained at the Bridge in comparison to 25 on their travels.
Their goal difference is also significantly better at home (16) than it is away (3), as the Blues have scored six more and conceded seven less at home.
Their most recent game at home in the league saw them emerge 3-1 winners over league champions Liverpool, in what was a largely comfortable game for the Blues.
Key Players:
Cole Palmer: Maybe the obvious choice, but Palmer’s importance in the last two games of the season is undeniable. The England international has not exactly been in the form of his life recently, but if there is anyone who can pop up with a crucial goal, it feels like it would be him.
Mason Mount: It is hard to predict the side that Amorim will put out with the most important game of the season on the horizon, but Mason Mount will certainly want time on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder is in good form for the Red Devils, scoring a brace most recently in the Europa League. Football is a funny game, as Mason Mount may well get a chance to put a serious dent in the UCL hopes of his former employers.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Key Team News:
Chelsea will play Manchester United without a recognised striker available following Nicolas Jackson’s red card in their previous match. Christopher Nkunku is sidelined whilst Marc Guiu, back in individual training, is not ready for this one.
Pedro Neto is the most likely to occupy that central role, which leaves Chelsea slightly thin on the wings as Jadon Sancho is ineligible to play against his parent club. This could mean a potential start for youngster Tyrique George, who has impressed in his appearances for the Blues this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have a quartet of defenders ruled out with Diogo Dalot, Lenny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt all sidelined.
Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he will not let the upcoming final overly influence his team selection for the clash against Chelsea, likely meaning fans can expect a strong United side starting against the Blues.
Chelsea Predicted Team:
R. Sanchez, M. Caicedo, T. Chalobah, L. Colwill, M. Cucurella, R. Lavia, E. Fernandez, N. Madueke, C. Palmer, T. George, P. Neto
Manchester United Predicted Team:
A. Onana, N. Mazraoui, H. Maguire, L. Shaw, A. Diallo, Casemiro, M. Ugarte, P. Dorgu, M. Mount, B. Fernandes, R. Højlund
Predicted Chelsea vs Manchester United Score:
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United