PREVIEW: Manchester United vs Chelsea: Red Devils in Contention for Third Place, Absent Key Players, and Match Details

Tonight, Manchester United will face Chelsea at Old Trafford in a crucial match that will determine their qualification for the Champions League next season.

To secure a top-four finish, Man United only need to earn a single point. However, if they win the match, they could potentially climb to the third spot on the table.

On the other hand, Chelsea has had a disappointing season, currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League.

Despite their low rank, they still have reasons to play, as they can affect the outcome of the top-four race and also aim to finish the season on a high note.

News from both teams

Coach Erik Ten Hag has confirmed that Marcus Rashford is fit and available for Manchester United’s upcoming match.

However, Phil Jones, Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer, and Donny van de Beek will all be absent due to injuries.

It is expected that Rashford will replace Anthony Martial in the starting lineup, alongside Jadon Sancho and Antony.

In defense, Aaron Wan Bissaka is likely to start at right back in place of Diogo Dalot, while Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw are expected to form the back four.

In midfield, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes are all potential starters for Man United.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interim manager Frank Lampard has been dealing with a growing injury list, with Benoit Badiashile being the latest addition.

The Blues are already without Marcus Bettinelli, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, and Armando Broja.

Chelsea’s defense could consist of Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Lewis Hall.

If Mateo Kovacic is unavailable, Fernandez, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Conor Gallagher are potential midfield options for Chelsea. In attack, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz are expected to start.

Possible Line-ups

Man United (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

Chelsea (3-4-1-2): Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Fofana; Azpilicueta, Fernandez, Loftus-Cheek, Hall; Gallagher; Havertz, Sterling

Match information

– The match will take place in the Premier League.
– The venue will be Old Trafford.
– The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 pm Greenwich Time.
– The referee for the match will be Stuart Attwell.