Match Preview
Manchester United will look to keep their slim chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League alive when Chelsea visits Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Red Devils were defeated 3-1 by Arsenal at the weekend, while Thomas Tuchel’s men came from behind to defeat London rivals West Ham United 1-0.
Despite brief hopes that the signing of Erik ten Hag as manager would ignite Man United’s players – some of whom may be playing for their futures at the club under the new manager – the Red Devils have lost ground in the race for Champions League football.
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Form Guide and Head-to-Head
The last match between the two sides was in 2021, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Either team will have to step up in this fixture else there would be a repeat of their last meeting.
Head-to-Head
| Manchester United | Played 59 times | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Wins | 18 |
| 16 | Clean Sheet | 19 |
| 73 | Goals Scored | 72 |
| 4 | Red Card | 6 |
| Manchester United last 5 games |
| Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United Manchester United 3-2 Norwich City Everton 1-0 Manchester United Manchester United 1-1 Leicester City |
| Chelsea last 5 games |
| Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United Chelsea 2-4 Arsenal Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea Southampton 0-6 Chelsea |
| Manchester United’s form in their last 5 games: L-L-W-L-D Chelsea’s form in their last 5 Premier League games: W-L-W-L-W Chelsea’s form in their last 5 games in all competition: W-L-W-L-W |
Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th Premier League goal came after a devastating week for the 37-year-old – who lost his son during birth – but the Gunners won 3-1 thanks to goals from Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka, and Granit Xhaka.
Man United are in danger of dropping out of the European places entirely after taking just four points from fifteen since the beginning of the month. With Ralf Rangnick’s side now sixth in the rankings and six points behind Arsenal despite having played one more game, chances of playing in the Champions League next season are slim.
Rangnick’s side have a seven-game unbeaten Premier League record at Old Trafford, following a pattern of winning one and then drawing one, and they have not suffered a trio of consecutive defeats in the top level since the days of Louis Van Gaal in 2015.
Chelsea
Chelsea now can open up an eight-point gap ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal if they win their game in hand on Thursday night. A win at Old Trafford would certainly provide the Blues with a healthy shield before facing Leeds United, Everton, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Watford before the season is over.
There’s still the FA Cup final to look forward to, but they’ve put together an outstanding nine-game winning streak away from home in all competitions, including each of their previous four in the Premier League.
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Team News
While Raphael Varane returned from injury in the defeat to Arsenal, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, and Luke Shaw – both of whom have likely played their final game for the club, along with Harry Maguire (knee) and Jadon Sancho (illness) will all be unavailable for selection.
Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata can be confident of fighting Fernandes for a spot in the side. Though Alex Telles was at fault for two of Arsenal’s goals at the weekend, he is unlikely to be dropped with Shaw out of contention.
Meanwhile, Chelsea might be without long-term absentees Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi, while Mateo Kovacic’s ankle injury will take a little longer to heal likewise, Antonio Rudiger and Reece James should have an excellent chance of returning. The Chelsea side is looking really solid despite the fact.
Manchester United vs Chelsea: Match Prediction
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has six Premier League goals since Christmas is anticipated to have an early impact, while Chelsea’s Kai Havertz has scored after the half-hour mark in his last three Premier League away games, so our prediction is Cristiano Ronaldo and Kai Havertz to score and Over 1.5 goals.
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Match Odds
| Manchester United to win 3.32 Chelsea to win 2.27 Draw holds a whopping 3.57 |
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