Recent form favours Chelsea, however, history has taught us that anything can happen in this fixture, particularly with the game happening at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United playing Chelsea has always been one of the fixtures to look out for in a Premier League season. There was a period when these two used to compete head-to-head for the league titles with little competition from others. However, on Thursday, the clash does not hold a huge significance in the grand matter of things. Chelsea seem to have secured the third spot having accumulated a total of 65 points from 32 games. The Blues are not catching Liverpool or Manchester City above them, and they do not appear likely to drop to fourth place, which is occupied by Arsenal, who have 60 points from 33 games.
On the other hand, Manchester United are in a disappointing sixth place having managed only 54 points from 34 games. With only four games left in the season, it is not clear how much further up can Ralf Rangnick’s side progress in the table. Their latest 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend might very well have ended United’s hopes of finishing in the top four places. Hence, it is not clear how motivated the players will be to end the poor campaign on a high note. The only positive news in recent weeks for United fans is the appointment of Erik ten Hag, who will take over the permanent manager role at the end of the season.
READ MORE – Erik ten Hag tactics: What formations will the Dutchman deploy at Man United?
Knowing that the new manager will be watching their matches closely in the remaining weeks might provide the impetus for some players to raise their game. Meanwhile, Chelsea have problems of their own with the sanctions and the ownership development going on in the club. Nonetheless, Thomas Tuchel has done well to help them keep hold of the third spot. The recent form will make Chelsea the favourites for the Thursday night clash. However, history has taught us that anything can happen in this fixture, particularly with the game happening at Old Trafford.
Rangnick could be without as many as six first-team regulars for the clash against Chelsea. During the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the weekend, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, Fred and Edinson Cavani were absent. Paul Pogba, who sustained a calf problem at the start of the match at Anfield, will most likely miss the rest of the season.
There is also a big doubt over another midfielder’s participation in the form of Fred. However, Shaw, who is sidelined following a minor knee operation, and Cavani (calf) will definitely be unavailable for the midweek clash. It is highly doubtful they will return to the Starting XI before May. Besides, skipper Harry Maguire, who has some niggles with his knee, and Jadon Sancho, who is ill, will also miss the clash.
READ MORE – Manchester United vs Chelsea: Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho to miss the clash
On the other hand, Chelsea will be without the services of Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) and Ben Chilwell (knee), who are unlikely to play again this season. The defensive duo of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen could start at Old Trafford after missing the last match – a 1-0 win over West Ham United. However, the chances of Mateo Kovacic making the trip to Manchester is quite slim. Reece James (hamstring) was also absent for the win over West Ham at the weekend, but he is expected to make it to the Starting XI on Thursday night.
Manchester United possible line-up: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Telles, McTominay, Matic, Fernandes, Elanga, Rashford, Ronaldo
Chelsea possible line-up: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Silva, Rudiger, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Pulisic, Havertz
The high-octane Premier League battle between Manchester United and Chelsea will take place at Old Trafford and it will kick off at 12:15 am IST on Friday, April 29.
The match will be live streamed on the Hotstar app and website. Meanwhile, football fans in India can also enjoy the action on TV networks, as the competition is telecast live on the Star Sports network.
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