Manchester United v Chelsea

On Thursday evening, Manchester United host Chelsea in a game that has not been anticipated anywhere near as much as in previous seasons – largely down to Chelsea’s disastrous season. The last five meetings between these two sides have all ended as a draw and United haven’t beaten Chelsea at Old Trafford since August 2019 – where they won 4-0. The visitors have beaten United once in the last 12 meetings between these two sides and have not won in the league since 2017. 

Manchester United arrive into this one on the back of a solid, if unspectacular, 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. Casemiro’s bicycle kick early in the first half killed the game as Bournemouth, already safe, were not as competitive as they have been throughout the season.  

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Red Devils on the brink of securing Champions League football

Liverpool’s result against Aston Villa has taken an enormous amount of pressure off Manchester United. They now need to pick up just one point from their final two games (against Chelsea and Fulham) to guarantee their place in the top four at the end of the season. Both of those games are also at Old Trafford, where they have not lost a game since September, so their place is almost assured, although they will be hoping that it does not go down to the last day. Having already won the EFL Cup, and an FA Cup final against their Manchester neighbours to come, this could be a very successful season for Erik ten Hag in his first season as United boss. 

Manchester United team news

Marcus Rashford was a surprising absentee from that win at Bournemouth due to an illness, but he should be available here. However, Lisandro Martinez, Tom Heaton, Donny van de Beek, Marcel Sabitzer and Phil Jones are all injured. Rashford should come in for Anthony Martial up front. 

Chelsea season one to forget

This has been a season to brush under the carpet for Chelsea fans. Last time out, they lost to a heavily rotated Manchester City side and did not pose much threat to the Cityzens, who did not have to reach their top levels. Julian Alvarez scored within 15 minutes and the Blues were fortunate that they did not concede again with 20 minutes to go as Alvarez’s second was ruled out for offside. Players on both sides seemed disinterested with little to play for and as a result, it was a relatively dull game. 

The Blues lost in the third round in both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup and, despite somehow making it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, were humiliated by Real Madrid – who won 4-0 across the two legs. They have won just one of their last 12 games and have failed to score in seven of those games. They can no longer finish in the top half and could even finish as low as 14^th if other results go against them. Only Wolves (31), Everton (33) and Southampton (32) have scored fewer than Chelsea’s 36 in the league this season and only Kai Havertz (7) and Raheem Sterling (6) have scored more than three goals for the Blues. 

Chelsea team news

Interim boss Frank Lampard has plenty of injuries to contend with too. Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, N’golo Kante, Marc Cucurella and Armando Broja are all out with different issues, whilst Mateo Kovacic is a doubt. Kalidou Koulibaly came off the bench in defeat at the Etihad and may come into the starting 11 here having recovered from a thigh issue. 

Manchester United v Chelsea Cheat Sheet

With plenty on the line for Manchester United, look at captain and perennial 'whinge bag' Bruno Fernandes as an outside shot for any potential yellow cards in this game. The Portuguese ranks third on United's fouls committed per game, and should United find themselves behind and chasing the game, look at Fernandes to get in the ref's ear and pick up a caution for descent.

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Manchester United v Chelsea bet builder tips

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