A 6-0 humiliation last week against Manchester City led to scepticism over Maurizio Sarri’s future as the Chelsea boss. The Blues slipped to sixth in the Premier League table whereas high-flying Manchester United made a significant recovery to claim a place in ‘top four’ for the time being.
Although the Red Devils have shown a massive upsurge under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain has put them on the back foot and jeopardised their Champions League aspirations before the return leg outing at Le Parc des Princes. The FA Cup, therefore, remains the only possible title hope for this prestigious football club but the fifth round fixture at the Stamford Bridge would be a tricky test even if the Blues are depleted and dejected right now.
Sarri’s men clinched a victory away at Malmo in their midweek Europa League contest, and a result versus United would restore the confidence and boost them up to fight back in the culminating months.
Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea have a few injury casualties with Marco van Ginkel and Danny Drinkwater sidelined with their respective knee and calf strains. Gary Cahill and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, are being assessed but might be available for the Monday night tie recovering from a lower back injury.
Manchester United
United suffered a double injury blow versus PSG with Anthony Martial [Groin] and Jesse Lingard [Thigh] forced to leave the pitch midway through the game. They are now sidelined for weeks as confirmed by the gaffer whereas Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian are ruled out with their respective fitness concerns.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Caballero; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Emerson; Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic; Pedro, Hazard, Higuain.
Manchester United: Romero; Dalot, Smalling, Jones, Shaw; Matic, Fred, Pogba; Mata, Alexis, Lukaku.
Key Men
Chelsea
Chelsea, once again, would rely on Eden Hazard to cause menace in United’s defence. On-loan Gonzalo Higuain scored a brace versus Huddersfield Town but must turn up in big games to stretch his stay in Premier League beyond this campaign. The likes of Pedro and Willian are capable of making an impact from the flanks. However, all eyes will be on young Callum Hudson-Odoi who has been lethal upfront in limited minutes and should be introduced later on depending upon the status of the outcome.
Manchester United
The injuries of Martial and Lingard would weaken the Red Devils down the wide areas, but their absence has now handed Alexis Sanchez yet another opportunity to find his feet in the United colours. Romelu Lukaku has improved his game since Solskjær’s appointment. Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba should also be keen on scripting a victory following their Champions League disappointment.
Odds
Chelsea win: 21/20
Manchester United Win: 11/4
Draw: 11/4
