CHELSEA vs Manchester United was once one of the pivotal games in the Premier League season.
But it’s a damning reflection of the two clubs that this is a clash of 11th vs 6th place.
United, to be fair to them, still have a European spot to play for.
They are currently eight points off Tottenham in fifth, which could be enough for a Champions League spot.
But a win for United would also be important in terms of keeping a grip on a Europa League spot.
The Red Devils have a four point lead on West Ham with a game in hand, and Europa League will be the absolute minimum requirement for Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he considers Erik ten Hag’s future.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are seriously drifting.
A win though, could see them draw level with Newcastle in eighth place – which may be enough for a Europa Conference League spot.
For Mauricio Pochettino, this game will be about his team putting in a convincing performance as much as anything.
The ex-Spurs boss still doesn’t seem to know his strongest team, and with 10 league games left this season – it’s now about trying to finish this season as strong as possible to build for next season.
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What is their form like?
Both teams are coming off the back of disastrous performances.
Manchester United were battered last time out by Brentford, but somehow escaped with a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea also managed to just about grab a draw with relegation-threatened Burnley, despite the Clarets playing much of the game with 10 men.
Cole Palmer remains the bright spark of this struggling Chelsea team, with his brace last time out sparing the Blues huge embarrassment.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof were both substituted with injuries against Brentford as Ten Hag’s defence continued to come under strain.
It seemed to be a case of two in two out though, as Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire came off the bench having previously been injured.
Jonny Evans could also return to bolster the defence.
Mason Mount came off the bench to score what he thought was the winner and could be in line to start this game.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, and Altay Bayandir are all out long term.
Amad Diallo will return from suspension.
Malo Gusto is a doubt for this match having come off with a sore hamstring, Ben Chilwell also returned from England duty with a knock.
Wesley Fofans, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah are all out long-term.
Who will be the star men?
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout player this season and bailed them out with a brace against Burnley.
The former Manchester City man is one of the few players that have justified their price tag under Todd Boehly’s £1billion revolution and is no doubt Chelsea’s most important player.
United seem to be back to their old ways despite going into the international break off the back of a thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool.
Mason Mount was a bright spark in the dismal display against Brentford and could play a crucial role should he start this game.
What have the managers said?
When Ten Hag was asked if his team were lucky to draw with Brentford, he said: “Yes. I think so. But if you are winning, you shouldn’t give it away. Normally we are a strong side, we are strong in situations and we bring it over the line. It’s very disappointing.”
Pochettino meanwhile admitted his side are “missing something” from their “hearts and heads” after their 2-2 draw with Burnley.
He said: “That is why I’m so upset and disappointed. It’s more here [in the heart] and here [in the head] than in your legs. It’s about being strong like a group, strong like a team.
“We are too slow evolving in this area. That was the key today. The team played well, we had energy. When we have the ball, we go forwards.
“But when we didn’t have the ball, we don’t have the same energy. Today, sorry, I am not happy with the performance when we don’t have the ball.
“It’s difficult to accept not to win. It was a must-win game to be in a position to attack.”
When is Chelsea vs Man Utd?
- Chelsea’s clash against Manchester United takes place on Thursday, April 3.
- The game will kick off at 8.15pm GMT.
- Chelsea vs Manchester United will be held at Stamford Bridge.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- United’s visit to Stamford Bridge will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
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Odds
- Chelsea – 1/1
- Draw – 14/5
- Man Utd – 9/4
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
