In the Premier League’s elite echelon, Chelsea and Manchester United stand as formidable contenders. While Manchester United struggles to secure a Champions League berth for the upcoming season, Chelsea’s objectives seem more nebulous. As Matchday 31 approaches, the Red Devils sit in 6th place, with the Blues trailing behind at a surprising 12th.

The previous weekend witnessed both teams endure disappointing outcomes. Pochettino’s squad settled for a disappointing 2-2 draw against bottom-ranked Burnley at home, while Ten Hag’s men suffered a last-minute setback, conceding a goal in the 90+9th minute against Brentford. A defeat in this forthcoming clash could potentially spark a wider crisis for either side.

To their credit, Chelsea has displayed respectable form of late. With just one defeat in their last nine outings, a narrow loss in the League Cup final to Liverpool, they’ve managed to hold Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad and clinch victories in five of their last nine matches.

Conversely, Manchester United’s away performances have raised concerns. Recent outings saw them fall 1-3 to Manchester City and settle for a 1-1 draw against Brentford. However, prior to these stumbles, they boasted an impressive away record with six consecutive victories since the start of 2024.

Historically, Chelsea’s encounters with Manchester United have been less favorable. The West London outfit hasn’t tasted victory against the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge since November 2017. Across six subsequent matches, Chelsea has managed only three draws and suffered three losses. Given the injury concerns plaguing both teams, a draw appears increasingly probable.