A Premier League classic is back as Chelsea and Manchester United clash in a midweek showdown at Stamford Bridge. With the 2023/24 season reaching its climax, this is a match with serious bragging rights at stake.
Chelsea’s season so far can only be described as a trainwreck. After a hugely disappointing 22/23 season where they finished 12th, the Blues went all out in the transfer market, revamping their squad and appointing Mauricio Pochettino as manager.
However, they find themselves 11th with 10 games left to play and a European place looking highly unlikely. The Londoners have been unlucky with injuries, but with a squad as big as theirs, the Stamford Bridge faithful expected more from their expensively assembled squad. Their latest setback came against Burnley, where they twice surrendered the lead before drawing 2-2 despite the Clarets playing with 10 men for most of the game.
On the other hand, Manchester United visit West London for the second time in six days following their drab 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday. Man United were the second-best team in the contest all night long and conceded 31 shots to the Bees.
However, it was the Red Devils who took an unlikely lead late into stoppage time and looked all set to snatch three points. Brentford rallied back and scored just two minutes later to give a dull game a grand finish. Questions were asked of United and manager Erik ten Hag’s tactics, with the team conceding too many shots and lacking control against weaker opponents. That draw leaves them in 6th place, eight points behind Tottenham in 5th and 11 points behind Aston Villa in 4th. Their Champions League dream looks bleak, but a strong finish could change things.
When & Where?
Date: Thursday, 4th April 2024.
Time: 8.15 pm GMT.
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, UK.
Match Officials
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Darren Cann, Neil Davies.
Fourth official: Tom Bramall.
VAR: David Coote.
Assistant VAR: Tim Wood.
Team News
Chelsea injury news vs Man United
Chelsea have a number of players on the treatment table, with Levi Colwill, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia and Cristopher Nkunku confirmed absentees. Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are doubts, while Trevor Chalobah is expected to miss out. Carney Chukwuemeka is slated to return this month, but this game could come too soon for the youngster.
Man United injury news vs Chelsea
Manchester United on the other hand had a bittersweet weekend in terms of injuries with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire returning to duty on Saturday but Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane suffering injuries in the same game. The Red Devils will also be without Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial.
Match Analysis
Two fallen giants go toe-to-toe on Thursday night, with the game potentially having a major impact on their remaining season. Both teams have had poor seasons, but are in decent form coming into the tie. United have lost just three of their last 13 games in all competitions and have played some good football at times, albeit the opposite was the case in their draw against Brentford. Chelsea, meanwhile, have lost 4 and drawn 4 in their last 15 games.
However, both teams have significant defensive problems. While Chelsea have a goal difference of 2, the Red Devils have a goal difference of exactly zero, highlighting their astonishingly poor backline. Part of this comes down to a lack of focus and communication, while part of it is their inability to control play and vulnerability in transition.
Teams have consistently exploited Man United’s weak defense on the counter and as a result, they have conceded 40 goals in the league already this season. To put it into context, the Red Devils conceded 43 goals for the whole of the 22/23 Premier League season. Chelsea are no different, having conceded a whopping 47 goals, despite playing two games fewer than the Mancunians.
Both teams’ lack of defensive stability will be key at Stamford Bridge, with an interesting game in prospect. Both squads are injury-ridden, although Manchester United have a few key players returning which should provide them a boost, but Chelsea will look to make home advantage count and get revenge on the 2-1 away loss in the reverse fixture in December.
Key Players
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
The only shining light in Chelsea’s season so far has been their summer signing from Manchester City. Doubts were raised over why the Blues were shelling out more than £40 million for a 21-year-old without much experience in senior football, but the young Englishman has proved the doubters wrong. He has shouldered the burden of Chelsea’s attack all by himself, clocking 13 goals and 8 assists in 25 league games so far.
Cole Palmer has played several positions across the attack, showing brilliant technical and tactical understanding to play in as a center-forward or attacking midfielder, but has operated primarily as a right winger. Fresh from his first-ever England call-up, Palmer bagged himself a brace against Burnley last weekend as he continues to impress and will be aiming for a place in the squad heading to Germany for the Euros.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchster United)
Wan-Bissaka has been back in the squad since the win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, after a lengthy layoff on the sidelines and has slotted into an unfamiliar position comfortably from the get-go. The Englishman was drafted into left-back against Liverpool after Jonny Evans picked up an injury and despite it being his first appearance in months, coped brilliantly against a fired-up Mo Salah.
He continued similarly on Saturday, and was solid at Brentford. Fans have marveled how at ease the fullback has looked in the left-back role, despite not being known for his versatility. It will be a good battle between him and Cole Palmer on the left-flank and is one to look out for.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea predicted XI vs Man United: Dorde Petrovic; Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Cole Palmer, Connor Gallagher, Noni Madueke; Nicholas Jackson.
Manchester United predicted XI vs Chelsea: Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Højlund.