Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League this evening in what could turn out to be a crucial game for the fight to finish the top four. Chelsea could all but end United’s hopes of reaching next season’s Champions League with a win, while United could blow the race wide open by inflicting defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are currently in fourth spot, with 41 points, but are only one point ahead of Tottenham and two clear of Sheffield United. Wolves, Everton, United, Arsenal and Burnley are all within seven points of Frank Lampard’s Blues, and with Manchester City’s recent ban by Uefa, there could even be an extra place up for grabs.
Both clubs come into the game without a win in their past three games, and both managers are under scrutiny, particularly Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the top-four race intensifies. Follow all the action live below:
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United
82 minutes
A Chelsea corner comes out to Pedro, who sees a low shot blocked. Azpilicueta then tries to find the bottom corner with a left-footed shot but it lacks the power to trouble De Gea.
NO GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United
78 minutes
Would you believe it? Chelsea have another goal ruled out by VAR. Giroud’s foot was offside, so it won’t count. There’s plenty of anger in the stands.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United
73 minutes
Excellent defending from Bailly to deny Kovacic, who’s slipped through on goal by Giroud. The Ivorian gets across quickly to slide in and block the Chelsea man’s shot.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United
72 minutes
Reece James sends a free kick beyond everyone and out for a goal kick. Where United have been clinical Chelsea have been wasteful.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United
70 minutes
Close! Fernandes picks out Maguire with a free kick this time, and the United captain’s header has to be dealt with by Azpilicueta, who just about nods the ball away from his own goal. The corner that follows is cleared.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
64 minutes
Off the post! Fernandes curls the free kick around the wall brilliantly but sees his effort slam against the woodwork with Caballero beaten.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
63 minutes
Fred robs Pedro of the ball just outside Chelsea’s box and is then brought down. United have a free kick in a dangerous position.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
58 minutes
Chelsea may well feel aggrieved at how things have gone tonight. Maguire might have been sent off in the first half and Azpilicueta’s foul wasn’t exactly blatant.
NO GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
57 minutes
The goal is ruled out! A push from Azpilicueta is spotted by VAR and Zouma’s strike is ruled out. More frustration for Chelsea.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
54 minutes
Mount slams an effort against the post but the whistle has already gone for a handball by Batshuayi. Better from Chelsea though.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
53 minutes
Chelsea are dominating possession but United, sitting deep, look comfortable. Lampard has a dilemma now, having already made two substitutions. Batshuayi has been ineffective so far and it might be tempting to introduce Olivier Giroud.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
50 minutes
Some groans from the home fans as Willian gets way too much on a cross. There’s no one in the box anyway, though. Chelsea look bereft of ideas at the moment.
Full line-ups to come…
When is the match?
The match kicks off at 8pm at Stamford Bridge.
What TV channel is it on?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HD.
Subscribers can also stream the match live online via the SkyGo app.
Prediction
Manchester United tend to raise their game for the biggest moments, but this will be a step to far for Solskjaer’s men. Chelsea to edge it, 2-1.
