Chelsea vs Man Utd predictions and match preview

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The FA Cup returns with fifth-round action and arguably the tie of the weekend sees Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Chelsea enter the fifth round on the back of two home wins over Championship opposition in Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. Meanwhile, Manchester United have already seen off Premier League opposition, beating Arsenal in the last round after getting past Reading.

Read on for Chelsea v Manchester United live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.

When is Chelsea vs Manchester United?

Competition: FA Cup

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Date: Monday, 18 February

Kick-off: 7:30 PM GMT

Match preview

A repeat of last year’s FA Cup final – which Chelsea edged 1-0 thanks to an Eden Hazard penalty – Manchester United will likely fancy their chances of revenge come Monday.

Despite their recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain ending their unbeaten start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Red Devils are in a far better position than their opponents.

Maurizio Sarri’s men have lost four of their 11 games in 2019 so far including a humiliating defeat at the hands of Manchester City last weekend.

However, all four of those defeats have come away from home, and Chelsea have not tasted defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge since 2012.

Then, goals from Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez, plus an own goal from David Luiz, were enough to help Sir Alex Ferguson’s see off Chelsea 3-2.

United did go close to ending that run in October coming from behind to lead 2-1 going into injury time at Stamford Bridge, but a late Ross Barkley equaliser robbed Jose Mourinho of the satisfaction of beating his former side.

A lot has happened since then, with Mourinho replaced by Solskjaer and Sarri’s early-season magic wearing off, setting up an exciting tie.

Where can I watch live?

UK residents can watch Chelsea’s game against Manchester United on BBC One, channel 101 on both Sky and Virgin Media, with coverage starting at 7 PM GMT.

What happens if the game ends as a draw?

While draws in the earlier stages of the FA Cup usually bring the addition of another game to the calendar, there will be no such case this year.

From the fifth round onwards, replays have been scrapped with games level after 90 minutes going straight to extra-time and, if necessary, penalties.

This format change was initially meant to take place from next season but was brought forward by the FA as they try to ease fixture congestion for clubs competing in Europe and prepare for a winter break starting in 2020.

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Is Sarri’s job on the line?

Following Chelsea’s 6-0 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City last weekend, not many had expected Sarri to last the week at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian stayed put and oversaw a 2-1 win over Malmo on Thursday to put Chelsea in with a good chance of reaching the last-16 of the Europa League. But big games are coming thick and fast for Sarri and some believe one bad result could spell the end.

Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit predicted: “When Roman Abramovich feels the pressure like this, he doesn’t dwell on feelings, he just cuts down the tree. He did it with Jose Mourinho and he did it with Antonio Conte after winning the Premier League, so he will have no emotion about doing the same with Sarri.

“If the next result is a bad result, that could be the last game for him.”

However, with Chelsea’s next fixtures including the second leg against Malmo, Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and Premier League game at home to Tottenham, the Blues’ hierarchy may opt away from throwing a new appointment in at the deep end.

Can United bounce back from a first defeat?

After relatively plain sailing in his first 11 games in charge of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to endure his biggest test so far.

Although the opponents could be more testing, Solskjaer’s side need to show they can bounce back from being knocked down pretty hard against PSG.

It was not just the result, after a promising first half, but the casualties incurred too, with Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard both expected to be out for three weeks after picking up injuries.

However, Solskjaer has insisted United will not be panicking after their first defeat, telling reporters: “We still want to impose ourselves on games,” said Solskjaer.

“You don’t panic because you have lost a game – it doesn’t change the mindset. We need to keep working on the way we want to play.”

Head-to-head

As previously mentioned, Manchester United are still awaiting a first win at Stamford Bridge since 2012, a run of 10 games. But the Red Devils do still boast the superior record in the tie, winning 77 times to Chelsea’s 54 with 50 draws.

Chelsea wins: 54 Draws: 50 Man Utd wins: 77

Team news

Having rested a few key players for the large part of Chelsea’s win over Malmo, Maurizio Sarri is likely to return to his favoured starting XI with his job still under scrutiny.

However, things are not as tidy for Manchester United. Both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial had to be taken off in Tuesday’s defeat against PSG through injuries and Solskjaer has confirmed both will be out for up to three weeks.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Jorginho; Kante, Barkley; Willian, Higuain, Hazard.

Predicted Manchester United XI:  De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Jones, Shaw; Pogba, Matic, Herrera; Mata, Rashford, Sanchez.

Squawka Prediction

Manchester United may have tasted defeat for the first time under Solskjaer, but the Red Devils should have too much for an out-of-sorts Chelsea. 2-1 Man Utd.

Predictions & Betting Tips

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1. Both teams to score YES @ 4/6

As the game at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season proved, games between Manchester United and Chelsea can breed goals and recent form predicts more of the same.

Chelsea have kept four clean sheets in their past 11 games, but two have come against Championship opponents while another was at home to struggling Huddersfield Town.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat at PSG was the first time since November that the Red Devils failed to score. While PSG’s defence was tough, Chelsea’s should be easier for United to breach.

Key Stat: Chelsea have conceded 11 goals in their past four games.

Tip: Both teams to score YES @ 4/6 with BetBull – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (15/02/2019, 15:00)

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2. Man Utd to qualify @ 5/4

With Chelsea in the Europa League last-32, the Blues will have to keep one eye on their second leg game against Malmo just three days after the visit of Manchester United.

As such, United may just have too much for their hosts, also given their extra two days planning having played PSG on Tuesday.

United should win, but one thing to watch out for is the possibility of extra-time, so a safe option would be to back Solksjaer’s men to qualify on the night.

Key Stat: Manchester United have won 10 of the 12 games under Solskjaer so far.

Tip: X @ X/X with BetBull – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (15/02/2019, 15:00)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

3. Paul Pogba to score @ 15/8

Regardless of the defeat to PSG on Tuesday, United are looking like a changed side from the one in tatters under Jose Mourinho.

Solskjaer’s arrival has brought the return to form for many United players, but none more than Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman has scored 13 goals in total this season, but eight of those have come in 11 matches under Solskjaer’s stewardship.

Key Stat: Paul Pogba has scored 39% of all Manchester United goals during Solskjaer’s reign.

Tip: X @ X/X with BetBull – bet here

Odds correct at time of publishing (15/02/2019, 15:00)

18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

Search squawkagaming on BetBull to follow all our tips for Chelsea vs Man Utd and more.

The post Chelsea vs Man Utd predictions and match preview appeared first on Squawka News.



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