Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford just two days after Boxing Day, when both sides dropped points against Stoke City and Watford respectively. The Red Devils haven’t won in 7 matches and are now nine points behind Leicester City. Chelsea are 15th in the Premier League standings, but interim boss Guss Hiddink still believes his team can finish in the top 4.
Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is under a lot of pressure to get a result against Chelsea, otherwise his days at Old Trafford seem to be numbered. They have lost four games in a row for the first time since 1961. For Chelsea, it might be a great chance to get back on the right track if they want to make any sort of challenge for a top 4 finish.
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Kickoff and Telecast
Channel: Star Sports 1, Star Sports HD1
Live stream: Star Sports
Date and Time: Monday, 28 December 2015 – 23:00 IST (17:30 BST)
Venue: Old Trafford
Team News
Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney is likely to be recalled after being dropped against Stoke City while midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is back from suspension. Matteo Darmian might be available after his hamstring injury, but it’s unlikely he’ll start against Chelsea. Louis Van Gaal will be making few changes to his team that lost 2-0 away to Stoke City.
Morgan Schneiderlin is expected to come in for Ander Herrera while Michael Carrick will make way for Bastian Schweinsteiger. Marouane Fellaini is likely to be dropped for Wayne Rooney, and the back four is expected to remain the same.
Chelsea will be without star striker Diego Costa, who scored both the goals in the 2-2 draw against Watford, as he has picked up 5 yellow cards and is suspended. Eden Hazard is likely to start after making it to the bench against Watford. Cesc Fabregas might be dropped for Eden Hazard while Loic Remy is likely to come in for Diego Costa.
Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel might start in the midfield again while John Terry might be rested for Kurt Zouma.
Probable Lineups
Manchester United(4-2-3-1): De Gea, Young, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Mata, Rooney, Depay, Martial
Chelsea(4-2-3-1): Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Matic, Mikel, Pedro, Willian, Hazard, Remy.
Form
Manchester United
The poor form of the Red Devils continued at Stoke City as they lost 2-0. They haven’t won in their last 5 games in the Premier League and managed just a goalless draw against West Ham United. They lost 3-2 to Wolfsburg in the Champions League, and where knocked out of the tournament.
Then they lost three consecutive Premier League games against the likes of Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke City.
Last 5 matches: D-L-L-L-L( Last match: Stoke City 2-0 Manchester United)
Chelsea
Things are slightly better for Chelsea, who have two wins in their last five games. They came close to winning in their last game against Watford but ended with just the one point. They won their final game of the group stages in the Champions League 2-0 against FC Porto to qualify for the knockout rounds, but they lost in the Premier League against Bournemouth and Leicester City.
Following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, they won 3-1 against Sunderland but are just two points above relegation zone.
Last 5 matches: L-W-L-W-D( Last match: Chelsea 2-2 Watford)
Key Stats
- Chelsea have won more games at Old Trafford than any other side. (6)
- 5 players have been sent off in the last six meetings between the two sides.
- Chelsea have not won their last six away games in the Premier League.
- Louis Van Gaal has lost his last three games against Guus Hiddink; all played with PSV against AZ Alkmaar in Eredivisie.
- Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in the last league game in the previous three years.
Key Battles
Anthony Martial vs Kurt Zouma
Anthony Martial has been one of Manchester United’s best players this season and has 4 goals to his name. He last scored against Norwich City and is the biggest goal scoring threat from a United side that has been struggling for goals. Martial has good pace, and is always looking to beat the defender.
Kurt Zouma is one of the best young defenders in the world, and like Martial, he is also trying to make a name for himself. After being dropped against Watford, Zouma will be itching to prove Hiddink wrong and cement a place in the starting XI, but he needs to be at his best to stop Martial, who can cause problems with his pace and trickery on the ball.
Loic Remy vs Phil Jones
Loic Remy doesn’t start too many games for Chelsea but is more than capable of scoring goals regularly if given the chance. He will be up against Phil Jones, who has struggled all season and is coming back from an injury. Remy has good pace, and like Martial, he is also dynamic and can cause problems for the opposition defenders.
Remy also has a point to prove to his new boss Guus Hiddink, after getting very limited time on the pitch under Jose Mourinho. It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top, but Phil Jones should be wary of Remy and his teammates to give his team any chance in the game.
Betting odds (bet 365)
Manchester United – 6/4
Draw – 23/10
Chelsea – 21/10
Prediction
Both teams look very evenly matched at the moment, but this game might be a low scoring draw as both sides continue to struggle in the Premier League.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
