On Friday, May 16, in Matchday 37 of the English Premier League, Chelsea will host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:15 Central European Time.
Match preview
This season has been a challenging one for Chelsea. Enzo Maresca’s side started off strongly, and it looked like a top-four finish and Champions League qualification was all but assured. Now, the Blues sit in fifth place, which, this year, is enough for a Champions League spot. However, Chelsea are ahead of Aston Villa only on superior goal difference.
In the previous round of the Premier League, Chelsea suffered a defeat to direct rivals Newcastle (0-2). To make matters worse, their main striker, Nicolas Jackson, received a red card and will miss the final three games of the season due to suspension. Before that, Chelsea had beaten Liverpool (3-1) and Everton (1-0).
Enzo Maresca’s squad have also reached the Conference League final, where they will face Betis. In the semifinals, Chelsea comfortably dispatched Swedish side Djurgården.
Manchester United are enduring their worst Premier League campaign since the competition’s inception. The Red Devils languish in a humiliating 16th place with 39 points. It seems the fans have already resigned themselves to the fact that improvements will have to wait until next season.
In their last outing, United somehow managed to lose at home to West Ham (0-2). Prior to that, they fell short against Brentford (3-4), drew with Bournemouth (1-1), and lost to Wolves (0-1). One point from their last five matches – that’s a crisis.
But just like Chelsea, United will contest a European final. The Red Devils have reached the Europa League final, where they will face Tottenham. So Ruben Amorim’s men still have a shot at Champions League qualification.
Key facts and head-to-head history
- Chelsea have won three consecutive home matches in all competitions.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 9 Premier League home games.
- Manchester United have won only 2 of their last 10 away fixtures.
- United are on a 7-game winless streak in the Premier League.
- Earlier this season, in Matchday 10, Chelsea and United drew 1-1.
- Chelsea have won just 1 of their previous 10 meetings with Manchester United.