Manchester United vs Chelsea: Match Preview and predicted lineup.
In a highly anticipated clash, Manchester United is set to face Chelsea, with both teams heading in opposite directions. Erik ten Hag's Manchester United side is gradually making progress and aims to secure the point they need in order to secure Champions League qualification for the next season. On the other hand, Chelsea finds themselves in a free-fall, enduring their worst Premier League points total and facing the possibility of registering their 16th defeat of the season, which would be a Premier League record for a 38-game campaign.
Manchester United's recent victory against Bournemouth, courtesy of Casemiro's stunning scissor kick, brought them within touching distance of Champions League qualification. After finishing sixth last season and experiencing disappointment in the UEFA Europa League, returning to Europe's premier competition would be considered a successful achievement for manager Erik ten Hag.
For Manchester United to miss out on a top-four finish, it would require a dramatic collapse, including consecutive home defeats. Assuming that doesn't happen, ten Hag would become only the third Dutch manager to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Guus Hiddink in 2008-09 and Louis van Gaal in 2014-15.
The current season has been a period of progress for Manchester United, with the team on track to achieve their highest points tally since 2017-18. Their home form has been exceptional, having lost just one of their last 26 Premier League games at Old Trafford and remaining unbeaten in their last 16 matches at home. Given these statistics and the fact that they are facing a struggling Chelsea side, Manchester United is heavily favored to come out on top.
In contrast, Chelsea has struggled against Manchester United in recent encounters, having failed to win any of their last 10 Premier League matches against them. A defeat in this match would be a historic 16th loss of the season for Chelsea, marking their worst ever Premier League points tally. Despite their aspirations to finish the season on a positive note, Chelsea's record against stronger opponents has been poor, having not won any of their 15 Premier League games against teams above them in the table since the start of last season.
Furthermore, Chelsea has endured nine away defeats in the Premier League this season, and if they fail to secure a victory in this match, they will reach double figures for away defeats in a single season for the first time since 1997-98.
Looking back at their previous meeting, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Manchester United dominated the early stages of the game but needed a late equalizer from Casemiro to salvage a point. This draw continued a streak of five consecutive draws between the two teams in the Premier League.
In terms of recent form, Manchester United responded positively to back-to-back defeats by securing victories against Wolves and Bournemouth. They have been defensively solid, keeping clean sheets in their last six home Premier League games. Conversely, Chelsea has struggled, with just one win in their last 12 competitive matches, including six consecutive defeats.
Key players to watch in this encounter include Manchester United's Anthony Martial, who has shown good form against Chelsea in the past, being involved in five goals in his last four starts against them. For Chelsea, Enzo Fernández, an Argentine midfielder, possesses exceptional passing and defensive abilities, making him a crucial player under Mauricio Pochettino's potential tenure as manager.
In conclusion, the upcoming Manchester United vs. Chelsea match holds significance for both teams. Manchester United aims to secure Champions League qualification, while Chelsea looks to salvage some pride in what has been a disappointing season. Manchester United's strong home record and Chelsea's struggles against stronger opponents make the former clear favorites heading into this encounter.
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