An interesting Premier League battle takes centre stage at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening, as Chelsea welcomes Manchester United.
Both Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are under massive pressure to turn their club’s fortunes around as they look to finish the season strongly with just nine Premier League games left to play. The two teams enter this contest after managing a solitary point against relegation-threatened teams last weekend—Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Burnley at home before Manchester United conceded a 99th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 away stalemate to Brentford.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be seeking revenge against the Red Devils after they suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in December. The last time the Blues got the better of Man United in the Premier League was back in 2017, thanks to a crucial header from Alvaro Morata.
Chelsea vs Manchester United—Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea have received a timely injury boost ahead of the Man United game, with Malo Gusto set to be available for selection. The French right-back came off in the 87th minute of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley and was a fitness concern, but he seems to have avoided a hamstring injury.
Both Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah are also pushing to return to face Ten Hag’s men after the duo missed the game against Burnley with fitness problems. Levi Colwill, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Christopher Nkunku remain out, but Carney Chukwuemeka could return for the hosts on Thursday.
As Sanchez is injured, Djordje Petrovic should continue in goal for the Blues. Malo Gusto suffered cramps in the final minutes against Burnley and should be fit to start at right-back, with Marc Cucurella hoping to make a difference from the left-back position. French duo Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are expected to retain their spots in central defence.
Up ahead in midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo should look to control the flow of the game against Man United. Conor Gallagher acts as the creative glue from the No.10 spot, with Cole Palmer and Mykhaylo Mudryk offering flair, pace and dynamism from the wide areas. Finally, Nicolas Jackson should continue leading the attack for Pochettino’s side.
Manchester United
On the contrary, Manchester United have suffered a double injury blow ahead of the trip to Chelsea, with Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof ruled out for up to a month due to muscle problems, joining Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial on the sidelines.
Jonny Evans has missed the last couple of games, while Raphael Varane was taken off at half-time against Brentford as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo is available again after serving his one-game ban, following his extra-time winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final tie at Old Trafford before the international break.
Andre Onana produced a series of key saves against Brentford last weekend, helping the Red Devils eke a point at the Gtech Community Stadium. He is a certain starter in goal, with Raphael Varane partnering Harry Maguire in central defence. Having struggled at left-back against Brentford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could switch to his original right-back position with Diogo Dalot moving to the other side of the defence.
Casemiro came off the bench and assisted Mason Mount’s opening goal in the stoppage time against Brentford. He should be fit to start at the base of the midfield, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to run the show with his crisp passing and smart movement.
As a no.10, Bruno Fernandes will look to exploit spaces behind Chelsea’s backline and use his vision to release wingers Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the break. Rasmus Hojlund should lead the Man United attack, and having endured a tough time against Brentford centre-backs, he will be raring to get himself on the scoresheet.
Chelsea vs Manchester United—Predicted Lineups
Predicted Chelsea Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Mudryk; Jackson
Predicted Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Varane, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Rashford, Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund
Chelsea vs Manchester United—Key Players
Chelsea—Cole Palmer
Since arriving from Manchester City last summer, Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season. With 13 goals and eight assists in 25 league games, the Englishman has thrived on the right, in the no.10 role and as a false 9. He can unlock defences in a blink of an eye and score goals from distance, so Man United have to be wary of Palmer.
Manchester United—Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund’s form since the turn of the year has been fantastic, providing Man United with the focal point they have craved over the last few seasons. Although yet to fully justify his £72m price tag, the Dane has grown into an integral first-team player under Ten Hag, contributing in both boxes. Given Chelsea’s clear weaknesses at the back, he will fancy his chances to score in midweek.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
