With the Champions League quest still in sight of Manchester United and Chelsea, both teams will be meeting in the semi-final of the FA Cup today. (18:00).
The winner of the clash will be playing Arsenal, who defeated the defending champions Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday.
The Red Devils had done a double over the Blues in the Premier League but this will be a different encounter. A cup tournament usually comes with its own feel and it gives Chelsea at least the chance to contest for a title.
- Man United have beaten Chelsea three times this season: twice in the league and once in the League Cup.
- United can go seven games unbeaten against Chelsea for the first time this century if they avoid losing.
- This is Manchester United’s 30th FA Cup semi-final – a joint record with Arsenal. and they could become the first side to reach the final on 21 occasions.
- The Red Devils have progressed from 15 of their past 17 FA Cup semi-finals, losing on penalties against Everton in 2009 and 0-1 against Manchester City in 2011.
After suffering a 3-0 loss in the irst leg of the Champions League round of 16 against German Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich, Chelsea will need a miracle to score three unreplied goals t the Allianz Arena to progress to the next stage. So, the FA Cup is the only obvious trophy available for contest for the Blues.
United on the other hand are having a good run in the Europa League with a 5-1 first leg advantage in Austria. They are expected to progress to the next round by doing the business in Old Trafford in the second leg before going to Germany flor the remaining round of knockout games.
Knowing fully well that winning the Europa League is a guarantee for Champions League next season, the Red Devils is til on front to contest for two titles.
United has been in good form shunning pout good results since the restarts as they are yet to lose a single game.
Chelsea on the other hand looked stretched and Frank Lampard’s men have not been impressive lately. Fatigue could be responsible for this after a nervy finish against Norwich City during the midweek.
In the forward line, Chelsea look more dangerous, but their defensive lapses could be their nemesis again.
United carry more threat going forward especially id Ole Gunnar Solksjaer decide to continue with his trident forward of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Msson Greenwood.
Meanwhile, they also have another threat on the bench in Odion Ighalo.
Manchester United V Chelsea: Team News
Luke Shaw is already out of action after failing to recover from an ankle problem while his teammate, Brandon Williams should be fit after a facial injury.
Chelsea will be without N’Golo Kante for a fourth successive game because of a hamstring injury, while 19-year-old Billy Gilmour is out for the remainder of the season following knee surgery.
Sergio Romero is expected to be in between the sticks while David De Gea gets a rest. The Argentine has been in goal for United’s cup games.
