United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United and Chelsea are two of the greatest English teams of all time. Yet, this season they sit 6th and 11th heading into a midweek match. Manchester United need three points to have any chance at Champions League qualification. Chelsea need a strong finish to the season ahead of a critical summer for the club. Which team will get the win they need?

Historical Highlight

On May 14, 1994, Manchester United faced Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup Final. After a first half that ended 0-0, Eric Cantona scored penalties in the 61st and 67th minutes to put the Reds up 2-0. Mark Hughes added a third goal to kill off the match in the 69th minute, and Brian McClair added a fourth before the final whistle.

This dominant win provided Sir Alex Ferguson with his second FA Cup with Manchester United. He would go on to win three more with the club.

Current Form

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Brentford in probably the worst performance of the season. United’s build-up play was bad, players were way off, and the back line conceded 31 shots. This miserable match came after the best win of the season over Liverpool. The Brentford and Liverpool performances were night and day, and the inconsistency is nothing new for Manchester United this season. United will need to return to the Liverpool quality to get a result on Thursday.

After a solid win over Newcastle United and an FA Cup win over Leicester City, Chelsea reverted to their poor form and failed to beat 10-man Burnley this weekend. They allowed Burnley to equalize twice after taking the lead and drew 2-2. Cole Palmer continues to carry the Blues, and he is in top form heading into Thursday’s match.

Team News

Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, and Mason Mount returned for the Reds against Brentford, with Mount scoring his first Manchester United goal.

Unfortunately for Ten Hag, Raphael Varane went off injured at half-time, and Victor Lindelof exited the match in the second half due to injury. Neither will likely play against Chelsea due to the quick turnaround, regardless of the severity of their injury.

Jonny Evans should return against Chelsea, but Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Omari Forson will remain out with their long-term injuries.

Chelsea’s injury list got longer after Malo Gusto went down in the Burnley match. Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell are likely returnees for the Blues.

Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chuwuemeka, and Trevoh Chalobah will remain out due to long-term injuries.

Predicted Starting XI

GK: Andre Onana

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot

Midfielders: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount

Match Prediction

While Manchester United are inconsistent and coming off a terrible performance, Chelsea have been even worse this season, and United should be able to get a result against the Blues. The Reds will grab a 2-1 win, with goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount. Mount will score on his return to Stamford Bridge and break the hearts of his former fans. Cole Palmer will continue his fine form through Chelsea’s lone goal.

One Bold Prediction

Rashford sits and Mount starts. Marcus Rashford was Manchester United’s worst player against Brentford, and Erik Ten Hag will sit him against Chelsea. Mason Mount will start against his former side after his goal at the weekend. Mason Mount showed promise in his first game in months, and with Ten Hag needing three points, he will go with the hot hand.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!