Chelsea vs Manchester United Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Premier League, 2025

Chelsea vs Manchester United Preview

• Tournament: Premier League
• Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 19:15 PM GMT.
• Venue: Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea look to take a giant leap in their hopes of securing a top 5 spot in the 2024/25 Premier League when they host an inconsistent Manchester United side at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea vs Manchester United clash will take place on Friday, 16 May 2025 at 19:15 PM GMT.

The Blues are looking for an emphatic end to the Premier League campaign by securing qualification into the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. They're currently in 5th place in the league table with 63 points from 36 games. They have won three of their last five league games, but have an impressive record at Stamford Bridge, having won 11 of their 17 home games this season.

Enzo Maresca will urge his players to take the fight to the Red Devils and put on an entertaining show in their final home match of the campaign. They will need to be wary of their opponents' swift counterattacking threat by being defensively stern, but will focus on their own free-flowing, quick attacking style and be decisive in the final third to secure a big win.

Manchester United, on the other hand, will be aiming to spoil their rivals' fun in their final away trip of the Premier League campaign. The Red Devils have had a poor league campaign and are in 15th place in the league with 39 points from 36 games. They've won just one of their last seven league games and have just four away wins in 18 trips in the league this season.

The Red Devils will look to gain some momentum for the Europa League final by getting a big result at Stamford Bridge. They'll need to be defensively stubborn to frustrate the hosts, but also to be clutch and ruthless in finishing off their chances to secure a positive result.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca is missing quite a few important players for the final stretch of the campaign. His centre-back Wesley Fofana is out until July with a thigh injury. Omari Kellyman (thigh), Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspended) are also sidelined for this. Marc Guiu, however, should return to the squad for this clash. Nicolas Jackson is suspended after getting sent off in the recent loss to Newcastle United. Jadon Sancho cannot face Manchester United as they're his parent club.

Manchester United Team News

Ruben Amorim will also be without some key players. Lisandro Martinez (knee) and Joshua Zirkzee (thigh) are both sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. Matthijs de Ligt is unlikely to recover from his knee injury in time for this. Leny Yoro also got injured in their recent loss to West Ham United. However, the likes of Diogo Dalot, Toby Collyer and Ayden Heaven could return to the matchday squad for this encounter.

Chelsea vs Manchester United Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

Defenders: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer

Forwards: Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Tyrique George

Manchester United Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana

Defenders: Tyler Fredricson, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Christian Eriksen

Forwards: Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund

Chelsea vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record

These two English sides have faced each other on 191 occasions in the past. Out of that, Manchester United have won 81 games and Chelsea have won 56 times. In their last five meetings, Manchester United have won twice, and Chelsea have only won one match.

Key Players to Watch in Chelsea vs Manchester United

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer will be looking to be the inspired figure for Chelsea in this upcoming clash, after having scored 15 goals with a 17.20 xG (expected goals) in the league this season. Palmer's form has improved in recent games, and he'll look to be a tormenting figure for the Red Devils.

He'll look to assume control of possession in key areas and dictate the tempo of his side's attacking game. Palmer will look to be accurate with his final passes but also get at the end of chances to finish them off swiftly and get back to scoring ways.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes has been the driving force for Manchester United, overperforming his 7.02 xA (expected assists) with nine assists and also scoring eight goals in the Premier League so far. He has been a leader in the offensive areas for his side, pushing them forward and constantly creating chances for them.

He will need to be composed and at his assertive best for Manchester United to get a big win away from Stamford Bridge. Fernandes will look to be smart with his creative final third passes to set things up but also look to get at the end of chances to amplify his side's goal-scoring threat and help them silence Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea vs Manchester United Prediction

The recent meetings between these two teams have generally been pretty entertaining affairs, and this should be something similar. Because of Chelsea's desperation to seal Champions League qualification and United's need for a big away win, both teams will fight hard for three points.

Chelsea, however, should be at an advantage because of the Red Devils' shaky defensive nature. Their momentum at Stamford Bridge and the fans influence should help drive them to a win and maintain their charge for a top 5 spot.

Predicted Score: Chelsea 3-1 Manchester United

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