Manchester United face Chelsea on Sunday in a match that could have huge ramifications on the battle for the top four.

The Red Devils go into the game unbeaten in the last eight games in all competitions , but have been held to some disappointing draws in that time.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been a rejuvenated side under Thomas Tuchel and are unbeaten in nine games, winning seven in that time.

Team news

Having made changes to the team for the Europa League round-of-32 second leg against Real Sociedad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to opt to rotate the squad again this time out. 

The United boss has confirmed that Juan Mata will not feature while Scott McTominay and Edinson Cavani are unlikely to be fit and Paul Pogba continues to be sidelined. On a more positive note, Donny van de Beek is back in training and Eric Bailly made a return to action on Thursday night.

Over in the Chelsea camp, veteran centre-back Thiago Silva has been has been ruled out with a thigh injury as Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are expected to be named in defence.

Olivier Giroud could receive the nod ahead of Tammy Abraham up top following his spectacular acrobatic goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Predicted lineups

United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Matic, Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial.

Chelsea: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount, Werner, Giroud.

Ones to watch

It goes without saying how much of impact Bruno Fernandes has had on United since his arrival just over a year ago. However, he has been accused of going missing in the big games this season and could really with an influential performance here to silence the very fee critics he has left.

The midfield magician could be encouraged by the assist he provided against the Blues last season and having been been rested in the second-half on Thursday, there is no reason to suggest that he won't come out firing on all cylinders this weekend.

Giroud stole the show against Atletico mid-week as he spectacularly fired Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Diego Simeone's resilient defence. 

The big Frenchman is deadly in the air and could cause serious issues for the United defence which has been questionable to say the least at times. He opened the scoring in against United in last seasons FA Cup semi-final and will look to replicate that with a goal here.

Head to head

Overall, United have got the better of Chelsea in recent times with three wins, a draw and a defeat in the last five meetings between the two sides whilst the Red Devils won 2-0 in the last match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have failed to score in three consecutive Premier League home games against United which does not bode well considering Solskjaer's men are unbeaten in 19 away games in the league, a run that began in the 2-0 win in this fixture last season.

Prediction 

Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea.

Where to watch on TV

The game is set to kick off at 4.30 PM and will be broadcast liven Sky Sports.

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