When Chelsea and Manchester United resume their rivalry in the Premier League on Saturday evening, the fifth-place team will try to pass the fourth-place team in an exciting matchup that will take place at Stamford Bridge.
In midweek action, the Blues and Brentford battled to a scoreless draw, while Erik ten Hag’s squad cruised to a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues were held to a scoreless draw by Brentford.
Our Match Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester United
In both the Aston Villa game and the one in which Chelsea’s five-game winning streak was snapped, Kepa Arrizabalaga came to the team’s rescue.
As the West London derby ended scorelessly, Kepa’s countryman David Raya was also outstanding. But because of how well the defense played, Potter’s team is still in a strong position and may qualify for the Champions League.
Chelsea’s one point was enough to keep them in the fourth and final Champions League spot. Unfortunately, despite having a game, it finished three points behind Tottenham.
If Chelsea were to lose, they would be out of contention for a Champions League berth. However, Potter’s squad is confident heading into this match against Manchester United because they have not allowed a goal in any of their last five Premier League contests.
The Blues have not lost a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge this season and have won their last three. Under Ten Hag, Manchester United has performed admirably against their six major opponents.
This season, Tottenham fans may have been happy when Liverpool and Arsenal lost at Old Trafford. Still, they departed Old Trafford with their tails between their legs as Ten Hag’s team dominated.
Hugo Lloris saved several early-game chances for Manchester United.
Finally broke through in the 47th minute when Fred’s strike deflected off Ben Davies and into the bottom corner.
Many hailed Manchester United’s 2-0 victory as their best under Ten Hag, whose team pushed relentlessly throughout the 90 minutes. They will move into the top four if they win again this weekend.
United have won four of their past five in all competitions and nine of 12 since losing 4-0 at Brentford. Chelsea has more clean sheets, but the visitors have three in a row.
Each of the previous four Premier League matches between Chelsea and Man United has finished in a draw, and the Blues are hoping to halt a winless run of 11 games versus United.
Our Team News: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (knee), and N’Golo Kante (thigh) will all be sidelined again for Chelsea’s matchup with Brentford, although Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech have been cleared to make the bench.
Concerns were also raised for England’s health when Conor Gallagher was taken off the field after just 15 minutes on Wednesday, although Potter has since explained that Gallagher’s departure was due to sickness.
Mateo Kovacic’s strong performance off the bench indicates he will be called back to the starting lineup.
As a result of Armando Broja and Kai Havertz being rested in midweek, Ben Chilwell should return to the left wing, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling should be reinserted into the lineup.
Images of Cristiano Ronaldo strolling down the tunnel before the full-time siren had gone left a foul taste in the mouths of Man United fans, and it has now been rumored that the 37-year-old departed the stadium completely after stumbling off the sidelines.
Ronaldo was left off the roster for this match, and the Dutchman still has a long list of players out with injuries.
Axel Tuanzebe (unspecified), Brandon Williams (unspecified), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (muscle), Harry Maguire (hamstring), Donny van de Beek (muscle), and Anthony Martial (back).
Ten Hag also welcomed Christian Eriksen back from sickness on Wednesday, but Fred put in a fantastic performance against the Spurs and will not give up his starting spot easily. Martial, Wan-Bissaka, and Maguire are the closest to returning but will not be fit just yet.
- Chelsea Possible Starting Lineup Options: Azpilicueta, Silva, Kepa, Chalobah, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell, Sterling, Mount, Loftus-Cheek, Aubameyang.
- Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup Options: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford.
Our Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
Chelsea’s clean sheet run has not been snapped yet, but a more clinical team than Aston Villa or Brentford would have done it by now. Man United will feel confident about doing it here, despite needing many attempts to beat Lloris on Wednesday.
Ten Hag has thrived so far thanks mostly to his exploits in the biggest games, rather than at the Etihad. There is a chance for a third straight 1-1 tie, though, due to Potter’s tweaks and the fatigue Man United is likely feeling after Wednesday’s meeting.