(Football news) It’s fair to say that Manchester United’s season is all but over and hopes of a potential Champions League spot for next season are quite unrealistic. However, they will be playing for pride when they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford and will desperately want to get back to winning ways after losing each of their last two Premier League matches.
Manchester United players are currently playing for their future at the club with Erik ten Hag undoubtedly keeping an eye on the proceedings before he takes over as permanent manager. Last week, Manchester United succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal despite Cristiano Ronaldo getting his 100th Premier League goal while Chelsea left it late and secured a 1-0 win over London rivals West Ham United.
With their poor form, not only is a potential Champions League spot looking unrealistic but Manchester United could possibly miss out on European football entirely. The Red Devils have only taken four points from a possible 15 since the start of the month and are currently sixth in the league table, just two points behind seventh place West Ham. However, they can take solace in the fact that their home form is better and the Red Devils are currently unbeaten in seven Premier League games.
As for Chelsea, a win could open an eight point gap over fourth place Arsenal and could provide the Blues with some much needed respite ahead of their fixtures against Leeds United, Everton, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford. Thomas Tuchel’s team also have the FA Cup final to look forward to which is their only chance of silverware this season. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, the two teams drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and the Blues haven’t won at Old Trafford since the last nine years.
In team news, Manchester United will welcome the return of Raphael Varane while Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Luke Shaw, Jadon Sancho, Fred and Harry Maguire are unavailable. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof could feature in the starting XI while Bruno Fernandes is expected to retain his place despite poor form. Alex Telles will also be featured at left back due to Luke Shaw’s injury despite his horrendous performance at the Emirates Stadium.
As for Chelsea, Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mateo Kovacic are unavailable for selection but Andreas Christensen should be back in the squad after experiencing stomach cramps against West Ham. Antonio Rudiger and Reece James also have a good chance of featuring in the starting XI while Timo Werner could be dropped to the bench. It is expected to be a tight fixture and a draw is our prediction as the outcome of the match.
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