Nemanja Matic battles with Willian.

Chelsea v United: The essential info

Thursday 18 October 2018 17:08

Manchester United are back in action this Saturday, following the international break, and face familiar foes in Chelsea.

The Reds are hoping to kick on from our last outing - a thrilling 3-2 victory against Newcastle United - and win at what has traditionally been a difficult venue.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Chelsea v United: Essential match details
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Saturday 20 October | Premier League | Stamford Bridge | Live build-up on MUTV from 11:00 BST | Kick-off at 12:30 BST

What's the team news?
There are doubts surrounding several first-team players ahead of the trip to the capital. Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay were all forced out of international duty due to injury, while Diogo Dalot (Portugal Under-21s) and Marouane Fellaini (Belgium) also had limited playing time while away with their respective countries over the past two weeks, reportedly due to knocks. Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo have been on the sidelines. Make sure to tune in to the manager’s press conference on Friday for the latest update.

What about Chelsea?
The Blues have almost a full strength squad ahead of our visit this weekend, with their only major concern surrounding the fitness of defender Antonio Rudiger. The centre-back was forced to withdraw from the Germany squad with a groin problem and it is unknown whether he will have recovered in time to face the Reds.  
How have they been getting on?
Chelsea are being kept off top spot in the Premier League by goal difference. Maurizio Sarri’s men have won six of their eight league games so far this season and are yet to lose in all competitions. In their last fixture, the Blues beat Southampton 3-0 thanks to goals from Eden Hazard, Ross Barkley and Alvaro Morata.

What’s our record like against Chelsea?
We have played the Blues 180 times, the first of which came in 1905. Chelsea actually have a slightly better record than United over the years, winning 54 of the previous encounters compared to our 49. The sides last locked horns in last year’s Emirates FA Cup final, which Chelsea won 1-0.
Who's their manager?
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Maurizio Sarri replaced his fellow Italian Antonio Conte during the summer and has adapted quickly to life in the Premier League. The 59-year-old led Napoli to second place in Serie A last season.

Did you know?
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Between 2005-2011 United and Chelsea were the only teams to win the Premier League. The Reds won it on four occasions, with the Blues claiming the crown three times.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE RESULT WILL BE?
Get involved by predicting the outcome of Saturday's game. Win exclusive prizes throughout the season by playing the Match Predictor.

Who’s the referee?
Mike Dean will be the man in the middle at Stamford Bridge this weekend. The official has taken charge of six Premier League games this season, including United’s 2-1 victory against Watford last month. He will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Darren Cann, while Craig Pawson will be Saturday’s fourth official.

Classic Encounter
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United and Chelsea met in the 1994 FA Cup final which the Reds won 4-0 thanks to an Eric Cantona brace and goals from Mark Hughes and Brian McClair.

Chelsea connections
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Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic have played for the Blues, where they were all managed at some stage by Jose Mourinho.

Who are our rivals playing this weekend?
The Reds kick off another  programme of Premier League football which features all 20 sides in action over a three-day schedule. Here’s the full list of fixtures…

Saturday 20 October
Chelsea v Manchester United (12:30 BST)
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton
Cardiff City v Fulham
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Watford
Manchester City v Burnley
Huddersfield Town v Liverpool

Sunday 21 October
Everton v Crystal Palace (16:00 BST)

Monday 22 October
Arsenal v Leicester City (20:00 BST)

Kick-off times all 15:00 BST unless stated.

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