Preview

Manchester United face Chelsea tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge, where it is a pivotal game in the Red Devils chase for the Champions League spots and now that Manchester City have a European ban for the next 2 seasons for breaching FFP regulations, it means 5th place will now get a Champions League spot.

The last time the 2 sides faced in the League was the on the opening gameweek, where United stunned Chelsea with a 4-0 win at Old Trafford. However, it is Chelsea who sit in 4th, while United are down in 9th after their loss to Burnley before the winter break. Although a win for United would mean they go to 7th, and would be only 3 points away from Chelsea. A loss, however, would be extremely bad for United and Ole, it is a must win game.

Although McTominay was with the United squad in Marbella, he is still not fit enough to be involved vs Chelsea, but could possibly feature against Club Brugge in the Europa League midweek, or Watford next weekend. Pogba is still recovering from Injury, and will be out at least until March. Ole has said that Ighalo will be travelling to London, but will most likely make an appearance from the bench, as he only has trained with the squad today. Matic will likely return to the side after serving his ban for his red card vs Man City in the Carabao Cup.

Both sides have been in poor form recently, with 1 win in their last 5 League matches each. The return of Matic will allow Bruno Fernandes to play higher up the pitch and allow him to potentially have a say in the result of this fixture. Chelsea will be looking to return to the form they had earlier in the season.

United’s Key Man: Bruno Fernandes

Chelsea’s Key Man: Jorginho

How will United line up?

It is possible for United to line up as they usually would in a 4231, but Ole seems to like the option of playing a back 3, where the defensive is more sound. This also allows United to soak up pressure and counter attack, which is where they’ve looked best this season. It also protects Williams, as i still do not think Ole trusts him to defend the left flank, which is why Shaw will be at LCB. As well this will position Greenwood in his favoured position, while also helping Martial by having someone closer to him in possession. This still keeps the compactness in midfield and is why I think the 352 will be utilised in this game.

Prediction

It will be a tight game, where neither side want to concede first. Chelsea will dominate possession but United will have chances on the break. Kepa is in poor form and Fernandes will be likely to be taking shots from range. While both defenses are looking shaky recently.

My Prediction: United 2-2 Chelsea.