Chelsea vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Chelsea play host to Manchester United in this weekend’s key clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues head into the game sitting third in the Premier League table – five points off leaders Arsenal but a full nine points ahead of the visitors – so could open up a 12 point advantage if they can secure yet another win on Sunday.

The west Londoners are in excellent form of late, beating Southampton, Derby and Hull without conceding a single goal over their past three fixtures.

A 2-1 win over Liverpool last month made it 70 league games unbeaten on home turf for boss Jose Mourinho, so United certainly have their work cut out this weekend.

The defending champions began 2014 in disappointing style, losing three consecutive games 2-1 to heap the pressure on David Moyes. However, the Red Devils got back on track with a 2-0 win over Swansea last weekend to leave them sitting seventh in the table and they could move just three points off fourth place if they can inflict Mourinho’s first league defeat at the Bridge.

The reverse fixture was a entirely forgettable 0-0 draw at Old Trafford earlier in the season so we’ll be hoping for something a lot more entertaining this time around.

Team News

Chelsea welcome back midfielder Frank Lampard after he recovered from a calf injury that’s kept him on the sidelines for three weeks. However, the veteran may have to make-do with a place on the bench with David Luiz likely to retain his place in midfield.

New signing Nemanja Matic could be in the squad but Mourinho has confirmed he won’t start, so Ramires is expected to keep his place in the team.

Branislav Ivanovic is back in training but this game will come too soon for the Serb so Cesar Azpilicueta will continue at right-back with Ashley Cole on the left.

Fernando Torres is expected to retain his place up front, with Willian likely to be the man to partner Oscar and Eden Hazard in attack.

United have been dealt a huge injury blow with the news that Wayne Rooney will miss the game after failing to recover from a groin injury. He joins Robin Van Persie on the sidelines for the trip to the capital so Danny Welbeck will continue to lead the line.

Moyes also has worries at the back with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Rio Ferdinand all doubts. If none of the trio make it then Chris Smalling will partner Nemanja Vidic in defence.

Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini are close to being fit but may just miss out.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Eden Hazard: The Belgian has been in excellent form for Chelsea in recent weeks and he’ll be the man United will have to keep quite if they want to take anything away from the game.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 2-1 Man Utd: The Blues have a formidable record at home under Mourinho and we can see them just edging this one with the champions missing the threat of Rooney and RVP.

What line-up would you like to see start and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.