Chelsea vs Manchester United: Match preview, team news and prediction

Manchester United are away at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday, losing their first home game under manager Michael Carrick.

Chelsea, meanwhile, were beaten 3-0 at home by Manchester City on Sunday.

Match preview

We have taken a look at four previous blockbuster matches with Chelsea, highlighting the historically competitive nature of this fixture.

United slipped to sixth on the form table after the defeat to Leeds. They have now won just one of their last four league games.

They are still seven points clear of sixth -placed Chelsea, putting them on course to secure one of the five Champions League places.

However, a defeat on Saturday could begin to cast doubts about their push for a return to Europe’s elite club competition.

Recently, United have struggled on their travels, winning just one of their last four. They are also winless in their last five league matches at Chelsea.

In fact, they have won just six Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, highlighting their long-standing struggles in this fixture.

The Red Devils could look to adopt a middle block and exploit Chelsea’s weaknesses on the counter.

United also need to take advantage of their set-piece prowess, with Chelsea conceding the third-most goals from set-pieces in the division this season.

Defensively, Carrick’s side have to be wary of Chelsea’s fast and tricky wingers, avoid counter-attacks and start the game on the front foot.

Chelsea have lost their last three league games and cannot afford to drop more points if they want to qualify for the Champions League.

They are winless in their last four league home matches, but will be encouraged by United’s own struggles on the road.

Their home form against the Mancunian giants could also serve as a boost for them.

Chelsea will aim to start the game strongly and leverage their home support.

They will look to take advantage of United’s young centre-back pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who are expected to start here, given injuries and suspensions.

Team news

United will be without Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu due to injury, while Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are suspended, leaving them light in defence.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has resumed training, but it is unclear whether he would be fit enough to start this clash.

For Chelsea, captain Reece James and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined. Trevoh Chalobah is doubtful, while the game comes too soon for long-term absentee Levi Colwill.

Vice-captain Enzo Fernandez returns after serving a two-game suspension.

Prediction

Given the form of the two sides, we expect this to be a cagey affair, so we predict a 1-1 draw.

Stats from transfermarkt.com & who scored.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .