After a fourth consecutive defeat away from home, Manchester United host Chelsea with four games to go. Weirdly, strangely, surprisingly, if Manchester United win this game they are somehow still in the race for Top Four. That’s easier said than done because not only are United in just ridiculously bad form but Chelsea seem able score with ease having scored in every game but two in 2022 (against Liverpool and Man City). United will have to be at their very best if they are to beat or even draw to Chelsea. The problem is, they haven’t been at their very best since the win over Brighton in February. United have to show pride and some fight, especially in front of a full Old Trafford crowd. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Chelsea Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Chelsea
Date: Thursday 28th April 2022
KO Time: 19:45 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Ralf Rangnick and Thomas Tuchel
Referee: Mike Dean

Team News

Manchester United

While Varane, Ronaldo and McTominay all returned to the starting XI against Arsenal, United now lose two more players. Harry Maguire is now sidelined for the season with a knee injury. A lot of ‘fans’ will get what they want and United won’t be able to play Maguire for the rest of the season. I hope it opens a few eyes and demonstrates who is the real problem in the United defence and that Maguire is not the problem. I doubt we will keep a clean sheet for the rest of the season. Fred remains out and is sidelined along with Shaw, Cavani and Paul Pogba. Jadon Sancho will also miss the match due to illness and so United’s options in every part of the field are limited.

Chelsea

Chelsea remain without Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson Odoi while Matteo Kovacic will not be ready to play yet either. Andreas Christensen withdrew from the squad due to stomach cramps but Rudiger and James will be available for selection.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United are on an 8 game unbeaten run against Chelsea. Their last defeat against the Blues was a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in 2017. Manchester United have not lost to Chelsea at Old Trafford since 2015.
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (5 games) and Michael Carrick (1 game) remain the only Manchester United managers to remain unbeaten against Chelsea in the Premier League.
• Marcus Rashford has 5 goals and 3 assists in 14 games against Chelsea.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to score a Premier League goal against the Blues.
• Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their last 5 games. They have also conceded 13 in their last 7 games.

Predicted XI:

I think this should have very few surprises. De Gea will start and Henderson won’t get a sniff this season. I can see United rivalling Chelsea’s back five and playing Varane, Lindelof and Jones again but with Telles on the left andf Wan-Bissaka on the right. I don’t think Dalot or Telles deserve to play but I can’t see both missing out. McTominay and Matic will sit in front of the back five and Bruno will start at 10 despite the woeful performance against Arsenal. Ronaldo will start up front and while Rashford’s record is good against Chelsea and I personally would start him, I expect Elanga to partner Ronaldo up front and press for him.

Predicted XI (5-2-1-2): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Jones, Varane, Telles; Matic, McTominay, Fernandes; Elanga, Ronaldo

Predicted Score:

I couldn’t tell you for sure whether United will just sit back or have a go. It depends on whether the team want to show some resolve or they want to put on a show for the home fans. They have only lost one league game at Old Trafford since the turn of the year and that is one thing going for them. I don’t expect a loss but I’d be surprised if they managed a win. A draw seems safe and very likely.

United to draw 1-1