Chelsea FC vs Manchester United: Team News, Prediction and Stats
Two games in three days for most Premier League teams as Chelsea FC take on Manchester United tomorrow evening.
Chelsea visit Manchester United tomorrow as the festive football continues on Bank Holiday Monday. The Blues travel to Old Trafford to play their first away game under interim boss Guus Hiddink, after drawing at home against Watford on Saturday.
Despite dropping points at the weekend, Chelsea arguably go into this game in better form than their opponents. Manchester United have not won in five games, losing against Stoke on Saturday and against newly promoted sides Norwich City and Bournemouth before then. Louis van Gaal, the United boss, desperately needs a result against the champions as his job is under threat and should the Blues pick up a win, he may be replaced by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho by the New Year.
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The last time Chelsea visited Old Trafford they suffered last minute heartbreak as Robin van Persie equalised deep into injury time for the hosts, cancelling out Didier Drogba’s earlier effort. Blues defender Branislav Ivanovic also saw red that day, being sent off after picking up two yellow cards.
Team News:
Guus Hiddink has a slight selection headache ahead of the trip to Old Trafford. Diego Costa, who bagged Chelsea’s two goals against Watford on Saturday, is suspended for the United clash. He was booked for the fifth time this season following a late challenge in the dying moments of the Watford game, picking up a one-match ban.
Hiddink may turn to Loic Remy as he looks for a player to lead the line. Or perhaps a return for Radamel Falcao is on the cards, as the striker returned to full training early last week. Eden Hazard also played a part in Saturday’s draw, coming on as a second-half substitute. He looked bright on his return from injury, winning a penalty with less than 10 minutes to go.
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For the hosts, Wayne Rooney could return to Manchester United’s starting line-up, after Louis van Gaal’s decision to drop him to the bench against Stoke backfired. They also still have a number of injury problems: Jesse Lingard, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw all miss out. However, United will be boosted by the return of Bastian Schweinsteiger from his three-match ban, while Matteo Darmian could feature after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Stats:
Chelsea are unbeaten in eight games against Manchester United, winning five and drawing three.
The Blues last lost at Old Trafford in September 2011, when they were beaten 3-1.
The last time the two teams met was at Stamford Bridge in April, when Eden Hazard scored the only goal of the game to send Chelsea on their way to securing the title.
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Writer’s Prediction:
Manchester United 0-1 Chelsea.
Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!