Gameweek 28
25th February 2018
Old Trafford, Manchester
BST: 14:05
IST: 19:35
Manchester United are set to renew their heated rivalry with PL Champions Chelsea as they lock horns this coming Sunday.
United currently sit 2nd in the table, 16 points behind leaders Man City after their recent slip-up at Newcastle, their second away defeat in a row in the league.
Chelsea avoided a third straight league defeat with a 3-0 win against West Brom last week, which was just their second win of 2018. They currently sit 4th in the table and failure to beat their weekend's opponents could bring them outside the top four.
Another significant factor is the renewal of the PL's most heated managerial rivalry this season; Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho against his adversary Antonio Conte.
Head-to-Head
- Chelsea's 18 wins also include 6 victories at Old Trafford.
- United have won 9 games at home, including the 2-0 victory last season.
- United have also picked up just one victory in their last 14 matches in all competitions.
- For the fourth time in the PL, Chelsea is aiming to do the double over Man United.
Team News
Manchester United
Paul Pogba is a doubt to start once again due to his recent league form. He hasn't begun any of the club's last 3 games in all competitions after he was substituted against Newcastle United.
Eric Bailly has made a comeback to the first team as a substitute in the FA Cup last Saturday. He is expected to replace Phil Jones (knock) alongside Chris Smalling.
Marcus Rashford played a decent cameo in United's midweek UCL draw at Sevilla and could challenge for a place in the starting XI.
Ander Herrera (Hamstring) is out after lasting just 16 minutes mid-week.
Chelsea
The champions are expected to be without Tiemoue Bakayoko (knock) and Ross Barkley (hamstring) with David Luiz a confirmed absentee.
Rest of their squad are fit to play after their mid-week UCLtie against Barcelona.
Players to watch
The home side will hope for their record signing Paul Pogba to deliver his best performance of the season. After a disappointing performance in his last 3 PL games, this would be the perfect time for him to prove his critiques wrong.
New front-man Alexis Sanchez has scored just one league goal in his first three appearances for Man United this season. Starting down the left wing, he has to face a tough challenge against Cezar Azpilicueta and possibly Victor Moses.
Romelu Lukaku hasn't yet scored a league goal against the PL "Big Six" this season with a disappointing four shots on target.
Antonio Conte is expected to start Eden Hazard in the No.9 role, as he did successfully in their mid-week UCL game against Barcelona.
Hazard has scored 3 goals in his last 2 PL games; with 11 in total in the league. Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud could be recalled from the bench if needed.
Chelsea's front three of Willian, Pedro & Hazard possess dangerous pace on the counter-attack. Eric Bailly's presence for United in defense will be crucial to try and match the opposition's pace.
Predicted Line-ups
Prediction:
Manchester United (1-0) Chelsea
This will be a very tough game to call as both teams are desperate to pick up a victory and maintain the hold on a top-four spot. A 1-0 scoreline beckons as either team has the ability to snatch the victory.
United have suffered defeat in their last two away games but have the edge because of their home advantage.
Chelsea is hoping to avoid a second successive away defeat in the PL and their 3rd defeat in their last 4 games.
But, everyone anticipates another classic tale between these two PL giants and especially the two managers.
Last time at Old Trafford
Last meeting this season
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