Premier League leaders Chelsea host Manchester United on Saturday knowing that a win would almost secure the title. This will be the first of the two big tests left for Jose Mourinho's men as they will face second-placed Arsenal next week. The reverse fixture ended 1-1, with Robin van Persie scoring late to give Man United a share of the spoils. The Red Devils have not beaten the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the previous seven matches, their last success was a 3-2 victory in 2012.
Chelsea squeezed past Queens Park Rangers last week thanks to a late goal from Cesc Fabregas, taking one more step towards the league title. The Blues are seven points clear of Arsenal and eight points above third-placed Manchester United and have an easy match in hand, at least on paper, at last-placed Leicester City. Chelsea have won eight games and drawn three since the New Year's Day 5-3 loss against Tottenham. The Blues might have to rely on Didier Drogba in attack as both Loic Remy and Diego Costa could be unavailable.
This match is the last chance for Manchester United to revive their title hopes, or at least test their strength. They had a terrible start to the season with just 5 points out of the first five matches, but things have changed since then. Now the Red Devils are almost sure of finishing in the top four as they hold an eight-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool. Their recent form has been impressive, they recorded six consecutive wins, including last weekend's derby success against Manchester City. Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw have returned to training this week but Michael Carrick is injured.
Probable line-ups:
Chelsea: Courtois - Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta - Matic, Fabregas - Hazard, Oscar, Willian - Drogba
Manchester United: De Gea - Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Shaw - Blind - Herrera, Fellaini, Young, Mata - Rooney
My prediction: 1-1 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Chelsea win - 2.00 Draw - 3.40 Man Utd win - 4.33
kruno1414 8 years ago
I think that was a step that finally gave Chelsea a Premier League tittle , thay played very hard this match , just like Mourinho likes to play it .They didnt created much of chances but managed to achieve a very important win before going to play with Arsenal . I can say Chelsea deserved a tittle this year !
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Johnajax 8 years ago
This is very important win for Chelsea and their fans, special because they are out of Champions league, they are lost in FA cup against team from league one and this is only competition left to them. Just to be clear - they will win Premier league with or without this win but win over Manchester United is always something...
This is very important win for Chelsea and their fans, special because they are out of Champions league, they are lost in FA cup against team from league one and this is only competition left to them. Just to be clear - they will win Premier league with or without this win but win over Manchester United is always something special for them and for their fans.
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galata86 8 years ago
This is big win for Chelsea and after this win they can start celebrate first place and title in Premier league. Manchester didn't played bad but Chelsea showed how champions should play and won here. Manchester United need to buy some players who should give help to Rooney because he is great player and he play well but...
This is big win for Chelsea and after this win they can start celebrate first place and title in Premier league. Manchester didn't played bad but Chelsea showed how champions should play and won here. Manchester United need to buy some players who should give help to Rooney because he is great player and he play well but he don't have support. I think that next year with few new players United can be candidate for first place.
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
Another tactical win for Mourinho against Van Gaal. Mourinho did great job with Zouma in front Cahill and Terry. That was answer to Manchester's long ball on Fellaini. I must notice maybe key player today for Chelsea, Didier Drogba. He played like in old time, every long ball finished in his possession and at the end of...
Another tactical win for Mourinho against Van Gaal. Mourinho did great job with Zouma in front Cahill and Terry. That was answer to Manchester's long ball on Fellaini. I must notice maybe key player today for Chelsea, Didier Drogba. He played like in old time, every long ball finished in his possession and at the end of the game, he saved lots of ball and earn couple fouls that helped his teammates to rest. Two more games to win and they are new champions.
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sharpe 8 years ago
Big game for Chelsea,very important for them. United coming into this in pretty good shape but I expect the host team to win the game, one way or another. If Chelsea wants to maintain the lead in front of Arsenal they will have to be at their best and I think they will, on the other hand if United can get something the...
Big game for Chelsea,very important for them. United coming into this in pretty good shape but I expect the host team to win the game, one way or another. If Chelsea wants to maintain the lead in front of Arsenal they will have to be at their best and I think they will, on the other hand if United can get something the Premier League will be much more interesting through the end.
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seculla 8 years ago
I can't wait for this match to start and enjoy watching it. I think that it's almost impossible for Chelsea to loose the title in Premier League this season, but on the other side I'm pretty sure that Manchester United and Arsenal will not stop chasing Chelsea's lead until the end of the season. Manchester United are on...
I can't wait for this match to start and enjoy watching it. I think that it's almost impossible for Chelsea to loose the title in Premier League this season, but on the other side I'm pretty sure that Manchester United and Arsenal will not stop chasing Chelsea's lead until the end of the season. Manchester United are on very good streak and that makes this match even more interesting to watch. I predict that both teams will score and that there will be at least three goals.
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
Big derby awaits the day, two big rivals in the battle for the title in the Premier League. Van Gal against his former assistant Mourinho. Chelsea is in big trouble, they were left only with Drogba in attack and it will not be easy for them to score a goal. I think that Manchester is slightly ahead before this match and...
Big derby awaits the day, two big rivals in the battle for the title in the Premier League. Van Gal against his former assistant Mourinho. Chelsea is in big trouble, they were left only with Drogba in attack and it will not be easy for them to score a goal. I think that Manchester is slightly ahead before this match and I expect to be able to win the three points. My prediction 0-1 win for Manchester United.
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