With Champions League qualification on the line for Chelsea and pride on the line for United, expect a tense and fiery encounter here.
Chelsea welcome a struggling Manchester United side to Stamford Bridge on Friday night. This Premier League clash will be vital for Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. The Blues saw their top-four hopes take a hit after a disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Newcastle United last weekend. However, with seven wins in their last eight home league matches, Enzo Maresca’s men will be confident of returning to winning ways in front of their home fans.
On the other hand, Manchester United continue to stumble through a difficult domestic campaign. Ruben Amorim’s heavily rotated side were beaten 2-0 by West Ham at Old Trafford last time out. Once again, Amorim’s focus will be towards the upcoming Europa League final. United haven’t claimed a league win at Stamford Bridge since 2020 and enter the match with growing pressure.
Chelsea edged a thrilling 4-3 win in last season’s encounter at the Bridge. Given the contrasting trajectories of both clubs this season, the Blues will be optimistic about securing another victory this time around. With Champions League qualification on the line for Chelsea and pride on the line for United, expect a tense and fiery encounter under the Friday night lights.
Chelsea will be without striker Nicolas Jackson for Friday night’s clash, following his first-half red card at St. James’ Park last weekend. The suspension rules him out for the remainder of the Premier League season.
The Blues are also dealing with injuries in attack, with both Christopher Nkunku (knock) and Marc Guiu (hamstring) unavailable. As a result, Pedro Neto is expected to lead the line while Cole Palmer could shift to the right flank. In defence, Wesley Fofana (muscle injury) and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) remain long-term absentees and will not feature again this season. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club Manchester United.
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, George; Neto
Also Read: Ruben Amorim Shows Class: Pays for Manchester United Staff To Attend Europa League Final
Manchester United continue to battle a mounting injury list ahead of Friday night’s trip to Stamford Bridge. Defender Leny Yoro was forced off during the second half of the 2-0 defeat to West Ham. The young centre-back will be assessed in the lead-up to the game but is unlikely to be risked here.
United are already without several key players due to injury namely Lisandro Martinez (knee), Matthijs de Ligt (hamstring), Diogo Dalot (calf) and Joshua Zirkzee (hamstring). With the squad stretched, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Chido Obi and Victor Lindelof will all be in contention to start.
Bayindir; Fredricson, Lindelof, Shaw; Kamason, Eriksen, Ugarte, Amass; Mainoo, Garnacho; Obi
soccer
