Manchester United vs Chelsea: Preview, team news, facts and score prediction

After a good start to 2018 by registering consecutive victories in both FA Cup and Premier League, Mourinho's side has lost its way. They have lost their back to back 2 matches in the Premier League against a minnow side like Newcastle United and a top four candidate, Tottenham. Manchester United convincingly beat Huddersfield Town 4-0 in the FA Cup and secured a draw against the Spanish side, Sevilla FC. The Red Devils certainly have a point to prove when they host Chelsea at Theatre of Dreams.

Premier League Live: Manchester United vs Chelsea Live right here

On the other hand, Chelsea have been inconsistent this season so far. They drew 1-1 against the Catalans in their first leg of the Champions League fixture at Stamford Bridge. A win at Old Trafford will bring Chelsea level with United on the points table and mix things up really well for the Champions League qualification.

---

Manchester United vs Chelsea: Kickoff information

Date: 25th February 2018.

Kickoff: 14:05 (local time), 7:45 PM (IST)

Venue: Old Trafford

Referee: Martin Atkinson.

---

Team News

Manchester United

Eric Biley makes his return

Mourinho will be without his six players before going to this fixture. In defence, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind are out due to their injuries and are set to miss the clash. Eric Bailly is back to the squad after surgery and could make his 50th appearance for the club. He played as a late substitute against Huddersfield Town.

In midfield, Ander Herrera is out for at least a week as he suffered a hamstring injury in the Champions League match. Paul Pogba came as a substitute in the 17th minute for Herrera and could start the game for United.

In the upfront, Mourinho might rest Romelu Lukaku and give Martial a chance as a striker with Alexis Sanchez.

Formation: 3-3-2-2

Manchester United form guide: L-W-L-W-D

Manchester United possible starting XI:

David de Gea(GK); Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw; Antonio Valencia, Nemanja Matic, Ashley Young; Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard; Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial.

---

Chelsea

David Luiz will be missing this match

Antonio Conte will be without their new signing who is yet to start a match, Ross Barkley. In the defence, Chelsea will be without their premier defender, David Luiz as he is nursing the injury.

In the midfield, Timeno Bakayako is set to be sidelined for this exciting clash. Chelsea left misfiring Morata and Oliver Giroud in their previous match against Barcelona. Both are in the contention for the fixture along with Hazard, who is in his form of life.

Formation: 3-4-3

Chelsea form guide: W-L-L-W-D

Chelsea possible starting XI:

Thibaut Courtois(GK); Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta; Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, N Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso; Oliver Giroud, Alvaro Morata, Eden Hazard

---

Head to Head Stats

Matches Played: 178

Chelsea Wins: 52

Manchester United Wins: 73

Draws:53

---

Key Facts

* United have lost 18 Premier League games and conceded 67 goals against Chelsea, more than versus any other team in the League.

* Chelsea's only goal in four Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford was scored by Didier Drogba in a 1-1 draw in October 2014.

* United have conceded just five goals in 13 Premier League home games this season.

* Romelu Lukaku has failed to score in any of his six Premier League matches against other current top-six sides this season.

---

Prediction:

It is a Mourinho vs Conte fixture. The Blues performed fantastically against Barcelona. But there is something not quite right with them at the moment. The Red Devils parked the bus at Seville on Thursday. Mourinho suggests that United will be in amazing form. This fixture means a lot for both the teams.

Score

Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea