Match Preview: Chelsea vs Manchester United

Chelsea vs Manchester United | Premier League | Stamford Bridge | KO 16:30 GMT | Sky Sports
Manchester United, after comfortably heading through to the Europa League round of 16, return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, continuing their pursuit of a second-place finish, for just the second time in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
They travel to Stamford Bridge to face an in-form Chelsea side, hot on the chase for a top four finish.
Should United win, they will move nine points clear of Thomas Tuchel’s side, a healthy lead going into the final stages of the season.
Should they lose, however, United’s place in next season’s Champions League will be far from confirmed, and they will be dragged into the group of teams chasing the top four spots.
How do Manchester United look?
Embed from Getty ImagesOle Gunnar Solskjaer will be met with somewhat of a selection dilemma when approaching this match.
Paul Pogba is the biggest concern for the boss.
The Frenchman is confirmed to be out for the clash with Chelsea, whilst Juan Mata is also a definite absentee, so will miss the chance to play against his old side.
Scott McTominay, Donny Van de Beek and Edinson Cavani all missed the visit of Real Sociedad in midweek, and Solskjaer has announced that he is not too optimistic that any of the three will make the trip to Chelsea.
“We hope that they [Scott, Donny and Edinson] can be available for the weekend but I’m not sure” said the boss.
Embed from Getty ImagesDaniel James was taken off after 59 minutes against Sociedad with a knock and it is unknown whether he is fit for the Sunday’s match.
Victor Lindelöf and Eric Bailly started at centre half in the Europa League clash and impressed, leading to many suggesting that they should be given a run together at the heart of the defence.
Solskjaer entertained the idea, saying “I think the two of them will keep on playing, maybe playing together as well”.
Opposition: Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesSince the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have looked a completely different side to the one left behind by Frank Lampard.
They have six of their seven matches under the German, drawing the other, conceding just once, showing a remarkable turnaround.
Thiago Silva has missed the last few games for The Blues, but is in contention to start against United, although Tuchel may not want to change the strong defensive unit that he has relied on so far during his reign
Key Stats
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United are unbeaten in six Premier League matches against Chelsea but have not won in either of the last two against them in all competitions, drawing one, losing the other: the loss being in the FA Cup.
Prediction
Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
Match Preview Writer