Chelsea vs Man Utd: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea play Manchester United on Sunday as first meets second at Stamford Bridge for what could be a defining game in this seasons title race.

The Blues currently hold a four-point lead over United and victory would open the gap over Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to seven points. However, a win for the visitors would put them within a point of the early season pace-setters.

Chelsea go into the game off the back of Tuesday’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, while United had to come from 2-down to beat Braga 3-2 at Old Trafford.

United will hope to improve upon their recent record at Stamford Bridge having won just once in their previous 12 visits.

Team News

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo will once again have to make do without captain John Terry as the defender continues to serve his four-game domestic ban.

Midfielder Frank Lampard will also miss the clash after being ruled out for around two weeks after aggravating a calf strain against Shakhtar in midweek.

Manchester United will be without Shinji Kagawa after the midfielder was ruled out for three to four weeks due with a knee injury.

Chris Smalling is back training but is likely to be on the bench at best this weekend. Phil Jones is also close to making a first team return and is due back in full training in around 10 days time.

Striker Javier Hernandez is pushing for a start after his match-winning performance against Braga but Fergie is expected to play Robin van Persie up front on his own with Wayne Rooney playing on the left and Antonia Valencia on the right.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Chelsea have a pretty formidable record at Stamford Bridge having won 10 of their last 13 games at home and have been in excellent domestic form so far this season. However, Fergie will be doing all he can to keep pace with the Blues at the top of the table. We see this one ended in a stalemate. Chelsea 1-1 Man Utd.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.

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