Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info, Tickets
It's the big one on Sunday as Chelsea entertain Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Or is it?
We're used to these teams coming together with silverware on the line, but this time out it's more about attempting to regain some pride in what has been a difficult campaign for both sides.
Chelsea have made a mockery of their tag as reigning Premier League champions, languishing in the bottom half of the table all season. United may have been in and around the Champions League spots, but a lack of style and substance has caused unrest on the terraces, with fans unhappy about what they're seeing every week.
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Victory for Chelsea will continue their recovery under Guus Hiddink. The Blues are undefeated under the Dutchman—a run that stretches to 10 matches in all competitions. They've only won five of those games, however, which hasn't helped their league position.
Three points against Louis van Gaal's men will move them up to 12th, above Crystal Palace on goal difference. Psychologically that will mean plenty as it'll also put them within touching distance of the likes of Southampton and West Ham United, who are seventh and sixth.
It's those small gains that are vital for Chelsea right now, so they can't fail to capitalise against the Red Devils.
As for United, they remain in the hunt for the top four, so know taking all three points will be paramount for their cause. It'll also help take the heat off van Gaal, whose position has been questioned in recent weeks.
"This is a big match," Hiddink explained in his press conference on Friday. "Big clubs through the years, both Manchester United and us like to compete for the title. They have underperformed [this season] and we are getting back on track a little bit.
"Of course I would like some more victories instead of the unbeaten draws, but the team is step-by-step more stable and now we hope to go to in a beautiful spring time."
Match Details
Date: Sunday, February 8
Time: 4 p.m. GMT/11 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK only)/NBC Sports (U.S. only)
Live Stream: Sky Go/NBCSN (U.S. only)
Last Five Games
| Jan. 13 | Chelsea 2-2 West Bromwich Albion |
| Jan. 16 | Chelsea 3-3 Everton |
| Jan. 24 | Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea |
| Jan. 31 | MK Dons 1-5 Chelsea |
| Feb. 3 | Watford 0-0 Chelsea |
| Jan. 12 | Newcastle United 3-3 Manchester United |
| Jan. 17 | Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United |
| Jan. 23 | Manchester United 0-1 Southampton |
| Jan. 29 | Derby County 1-2 Manchester United |
| Feb. 2 | Manchester United 3-0 Stoke City |
Predicted Lineups
Hiddink confirmed on Friday that only Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao are injury doubts for Sunday's visit of Manchester United.
"The squad is looking okay after the game against Watford," said Hiddink. "The players have come back in and look very fit, except for Falcao and Remy."
The game will come too soon for new signings Alexandre Pato and Matt Miazga, however. The pair are still searching for match fitness after joining the Blues from pre-season in Brazil and the U.S., respectively.
As for United, their injury list is extensive. Ashley Young, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw will all miss out on Sunday.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson; Carrick, Fellaini; Herrera, Mata, Martial; Rooney
Key Players
By his own admission, Chelsea's Player of the Year has endured a tough campaign. Injuries haven't helped, but speculation away from the pitch and a lack of goals have compounded Hazard's misery.
His penalty last weekend against MK Dons has at least got him on the scoresheet for the season. Now Hazard needs to build on that and make a positive impact in what remains of the season.
The Belgian was benched for the midweek draw against Watford, with Hiddink appearing to have one eye on this matchup with Manchester United.
We can expect Hazard to start on Sunday, but how will he perform? It's what every Chelsea fan wants to know as so much will be riding on his display.
If it's the Hazard we know, Chelsea will be a big threat.
It's now seven goals in his last seven games for the Manchester United captain.
Rooney has found form at the right moment in the season after a barren spell that saw him hit the back of the net just once for United between November and early January.
United have won all but one of the games Rooney has scored in this calendar year—they drew with 3-3 with Newcastle United, despite his brace—which outlines just how important he is to Louis van Gaal's side.
With Rooney firing on all cylinders, the dynamic of this team is completely different. They have something resembling a cutting edge, which has been a big issue for much of 2015/16.
United were five points behind fourth-place Arsenal heading into this weekend's fixtures. They need three points at Stamford Bridge to prevent that gap getting any bigger.
They'll only achieve that with Rooney doing the business.
Ticket Information
For ticket information on all Premier League games visit the official site or go to the ticket page on Chelsea's official website.
Secondary ticket information for Chelsea can be found here.
Prediction
Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
Odds
Home Win: +109
Away Win: +260
Draw: +205
First Goalscorer: Diego Costa (5/1)
Odds via Odds Shark and Oddschecker
Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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