CHELSEA head to Manchester United tonight for the latest instalment of this bitter rivalry.
Rather than battling it out for the title, though, these days the two clubs are trying to guarantee Champions League football.
Juan Mata scored the only goal of the game the last time Chelsea won at Old Trafford in the Premier League Credit: EPA Chelsea look on course to do so, sitting third and seven points clear of Tottenham.
A win would virtually guarantee their place at Europe’s top table next season.
But for United, their painful defeats at Liverpool and Arsenal look to have ruined their chances of finishing in the top four.
And defeat would have Ralf Rangnick’s side nervously looking over their shoulder with West Ham and Wolves hoping to leapfrog the Red Devils.
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Milinkovic-Savic ‘in Man Utd talks’, Rangnick to STAY Recent history favours United, who are unbeaten in eight Premier League matches against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
That last win for the Blues came way back in May 2013 when Sir Alex Ferguson’s champions went down 1-0.
Just one player from each matchday squad are still at their respective clubs – while the match-winner left Chelsea for United midway through the following season.
Rafa Benitez’s Chelsea had Petr Cech in goal with Ashley Cole, David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic joining current captain Cesar Azpilicueta in defence.
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Ramires and Frank Lampard were in midfield with Oscar, Juan Mata and Victor Moses supporting Demba Ba in attack.
Mata’s deflected strike in the 87th minute proved the only goal of a drab game – but proved crucial as Chelsea sneaked into the top four.
Nathan Ake and Fernando Torres came off the bench while Ross Turnbull, Paulo Ferreira, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Yossi Benayoun were unused subs.
For United, Anders Lindegaard got the nod ahead of David De Gea in goal with a back four of Rafael – who was sent off by Howard Webb late on for kicking David Luiz – Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra.
Phil Jones and Anderson sat in midfield with Antonio Valencia, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie up front on his own.
Alexander Buttner, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez came on during the second half but Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Shinji Kagawa stayed on the bench.
Rafael was shown a red card for kicking out at fellow Brazilian David Luiz Credit: Reuters
Ramires and Tom Cleverley battled up against each other in midfield Credit: Getty – Contributor
Rafa Benitez came away with a crucial three points just before Sir Alex Ferguson retired Credit: PA:Press Association Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
