Chelsea have the opportunity to take another step closer to the Premier League title this weekend by beating one of the chasing pack and gaining three of the twelve points required for them to win the league.
Cesc Fábregas clinched the all-important winner last weekend against QPR and the midfielder will be looking to build on that performance. Fábregas has an incredible 17 assists in the Premier League, five more than anyone else in the division. This is largely down to the Spaniard’s influence in opposition territory, completing more passes than any other player in the opposition half with 1,344 – 57% of his total passes.
John Terry has been in superb form at the back for Chelsea this season, and will be in the mix alongside the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa to win Chelsea’s Player of the Season. Terry has made 261 defensive contributions (tackles, blocks, interceptions and clearances combined), the best in the Chelsea squad, including 25 blocks – also the highest total of any Chelsea player, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
In the absence of Diego Costa and Loic Remy, Didier Drogba looks set to lead the line again against Manchester United, just as he did at Old Trafford earlier this season where he grabbed a goal. Drogba has scored a goal on average every 170 minutes of football this season, which is better than one in two. Drogba has scored three goals from only six shots on target in the Premier League, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Drogba is 51/10 to score first with 888sport.com.
Manchester United have been in superb form in the second half of the season and are mounting a late title challenge. A win at Stamford Bridge would put some pressure on Chelsea, however anything else would all but end their challenge.
Marouane Fellaini has helped to revive Man United’s season, pitching in with important goals and some big performances. The imposing midfielder has been impressive in front of goal this season and has managed to put 16 of his 27 shots on target, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which has led to five goals.
Another key to Manchester United’s improved form in the second half of the season is Juan Mata, who is returning to his former club. Mata records a goal or assist every 153 minutes of football he plays on average, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, including eight goals in the campaign thus far. He is also in the top 20 for passes in the opposition half, despite having had less time on the field of play than many of those surrounding him.
Wayne Rooney, however, has been arguably United’s best player this season. Since moving back in to his preferred striking position, Rooney has prospered. The England captain has put 51.1% of his shots on target, and has scored with 26.7% of them. Rooney is 11/2 to score first with 888sport.com.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Possible Lineups:
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Drogba
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Shaw; Blind; Herrera, Fellaini, Young, Mata; Rooney
Chelsea vs Manchester United Match Facts:
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four league matches against Manchester United, conceding just two goals.
- The Blues are the only team to have beaten United more often in the Premier League (15) than they have lost (13), with 17 matches drawn.
- Manchester United have won only six of their last 23 league games against Chelsea.
- Chelsea’s last home defeat in the Premier League came almost exactly a year ago, against Sunderland on 19 April.
- Cesc Fabregas’ winning goal against QPR last weekend was Chelsea’s only shot on target in the match. It was only the 14th time since 2003 that they have recorded no more than one shot on target in a Premier League game.
- Manchester United have 65 points so far this season, one more than they collected in the whole of 2013-14.
- Only Arsenal have won more league points in 2015 than the 29 by Louis van Gaal’s side.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Prediction:
A 2-1 win for the home side.