Preview
In today’s late kick off (Monday) Chelsea have a massive game in the form of Man United away. Both teams have struggled this season and are off form. Both sides also desperately need a win to get back up the table to where they belong.
Man United sit in 6th whereas Chelsea sit in 15th in the league, lower positions than you’d associate with the two clubs. The Reds are low on confidence with the fans turning against their manager for his not so typical United style of play. However Chelsea are boosted by the fact a new manager has walked in and like Jason Cundy said drawing to Watford was a game we probably would have lost 6 weeks ago. Oscar’s penalty slip was awful, but Chelsea fans can head into today’s game with more optimism than they have had in recent weeks.
Louis Van Gaal and Guus Hiddink have met before in the Eredivise with Hiddink winning the last 3 meetings between the two. Without a win today Van Gaal’s reign at United may come to an end whereas a win for Hiddink would gain us a bit of momentum to finish the season strongly.
Chelsea will also be looking to extend their best ever streak against Man United, having not lost in 8 games against them in all competitions. The last game between the two sides was one of huge importance for Chelsea as a 1-0 victory all but confirmed the league title.
Match details
Monday, 28th December, kick off at 5:30pm at Old Trafford on BT Sport 1.
Match facts
- Chelsea are on their longest ever unbeaten run vs United – 8 games.
- In the Premier League era, Man United haven’t lost to any other side more than Chelsea – 16.
- Chelsea are looking for their first away win in the league since August – the last a 3-2 win at West Brom.
- If selected, Ramires will make his 250th Chelsea appearance.
Team news
Diego Costa is suspended for today’s game meaning Loic Remy is set to start upfront with Radamel Falcao still not back to full match sharpness. Eden Hazard could also lead the line however Hiddink said he’s not at ‘top fitness’ despite travelling with the squad.
For United Bastian Schweinsteiger is back after a 3 match suspension. However Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard all remain out. Matteo Darmian is also a doubt.
My prediction
I imagine today’s game to be a cagey affair with two sides not playing at their best. However I feel Chelsea will take 3 points due to United’s awful form in recent games.
Man United 0-1 Chelsea.