Manchester United will face Chelsea in a blockbuster Premier League midweek clash on Wednesday at Old Trafford.
The current Premier League season has been a rollercoaster ride for both Manchester United and Chelsea. Both teams had a slow start, but their paths have diverged as the season progressed.
Manchester United began their season on a low note with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, they managed to secure three consecutive victories against Fulham, Luton and Everton while maintaining clean sheets in each match.
However, this winning streak was cut short by a 1-0 loss against Newcastle which put them on the back foot again.
Currently sitting at 7th place in the Premier League table - five points off from making it into the top four - there is much work ahead for Ten Hag’s side if they wish to climb up the ranks.
Like Manchester United, Chelsea also had an underwhelming start to their campaign under Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership. However unlike their counterparts from Old Trafford; The Blues are slowly gaining momentum.
Chelsea have shown resilience by earning draws against top-tier oppositions such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal this season.
Despite some big results including a recent 3-2 win over De Zerbi’s Brighton at the weekend, Chelsea find themselves in 10th place in the Premier League table, ten points off top four.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Team News
The upcoming football match between Chelsea and Manchester United is set to be a thrilling encounter, with several key players' participation still in question.
Manchester United possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount may have expected a frosty reception from the travelling fans upon his return to Stamford Bridge. However, it remains uncertain whether he will face his former team due to a recent calf injury.
Mount is currently the only player in Manchester United's injury list who stands a chance of recovering before the match. Other injured players such as Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh), Christian Eriksen (knee), Amad Diallo (knee) or Jonny Evans (thigh) are confirmed not to participate while Jadon Sancho remains exiled from the squad.
Chelsea possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Badiashile, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
On Chelsea’s side, Reece James and Marc Cucurella are now available after serving their Premier League bans. However, they will have to cope without Gallagher on Wednesday evening due to his sending off against Brighton which opens up an opportunity for Cole Palmer.
James might also come into play on the right wing but Colwill's recent goal could see him keep Cucurella at bay unless coach Pochettino decides to prioritize fresh legs. This could result in Axel Disasi shifting into a central role, replacing 39-year-old Thiago Silva.
In terms of injuries, Malo Gusto (tendon), Christopher Nkunku (knee) and Romeo Lavia (ankle) are all touch-and-go for the contest. However, Wesley Fofana (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) and Ben Chilwell (thigh) remain confined to the treatment room.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Prediction
Manchester United under Ten Hag has shown remarkable defensive resilience despite their perpetual struggles in attack. They seldom get torn to shreds at the back - a testament to Ten Hag’s tactical acumen and his players' discipline on the field.
On another side of this unpredictable clash stands Pochettino's Chelsea charges - a team that never fails to surprise spectators with its performance on-field.
Goals seem almost guaranteed when 'the Blues' step out onto the pitch; whether it be scoring or conceding them! Their games are typically high-scoring affairs that keep fans engaged till the final whistle blows.
This goal-laden theme should continue when they face off against Man United at Old Trafford this week – adding another layer of excitement and unpredictability for both sets of supporters.
Given these contrasting styles and strengths, predicting a clear winner between these two clubs becomes quite challenging indeed! While both teams have proven strengths – one defensively solid while other offensively potent – neither seems dominant enough over each other to guarantee victory outright.
The upcoming match between Man United and Chelsea promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with unpredictability.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
Manchester United vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on TV and online with Amazon Prime Video.
