Manchester United is undefeated in its last three visits to Stamford Bridge and travels to Chelsea on Monday as both teams seek a triumphant return from the Premier League’s mid-season break. The Blues haven’t lost at home since they fell 2-0 to Southampton on Boxing Day, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is still seeking its first away league win of 2020.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United United
- When: Monday, February 17
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- TV: NBCSN
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Both teams are on three-game winning streaks without defeat ahead of their Week 26 clash, and the Red Devils travel to West London missing at least six first team players. Solskjaer recently told reporters Paul Pogba remains sidelined due to injury, as is the case for Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, and reserve goalkeeper Lee Grant.
Former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is back in contention following suspension. His return may see Bruno Fernandes move into more of an attacking role than was seen in his debut against the Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The visit to Stamford Bridge could also see January signing Odion Ighalo—on loan from Shanghai Shenhua—make his United debut after Solskjaer confirmed he’d be part of his squad.
Chelsea has failed to beat United in its past five meetings across all competitions, and its last victory over the Red Devils came at Wembley Stadium in the 2018 FA Cup final. Alvaro Morata—now at Atletico Madrid—provided the only goal when the Blues last toppled United at the Bridge.
Manager Frank Lampard hopes incumbent striker Tammy Abraham is fit to start after nursing an ankle injury. Michy Batshuayi could be called upon should the England frontman fail to recover, with the Belgian having struck for Chelsea when it fell 2-1 at home to United in the Carabao Cup fourth round in October.
United States star Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also in the running to return from injury, with the latter hoping to make his first appearance of the 2019-20 campaign.
Solskjaer’s setup will be of interest if United prioritizes a fast counter, as has been the case in most of its “major” games this season, with several new faces out to impress in particular.
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