Chelsea will look to continue their winning run after a late Christian Pulisic strike gave the Blues all three points against West Ham on Sunday.
As for Manchester United, they’ll be looking to get back to winning ways as their trip to the Capital was met with a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Arsenal.
Chelsea can open an eight-point gap between themselves and Arsenal with a win at Old Trafford on Thursday. The World Champions have not had it their own way in recent encounters with Manchester United. Most recently, Michael Carrick’s temporary reign as caretaker boss consisted of a trip to Stamford Bridge where United managed to earn a point with a Jorginho penalty cancelling out a Jadon Sancho strike.
The past three games have been draws between the two sides with the two prior to November’s encounter being goalless. The Blues’ last win against Manchester United came in the summer of 2020 at Wembley, with strikes from Olivier Giroud, Mason Mount and an own goal from Harry Maguire gave Chelsea a place in the FA Cup Final.
Thomas Tuchel has expressed his thoughts on no matter the form of United, this fixture us always a huge encounter.
“It doesn’t matter the position Man United are in.
“And that’s why we prepare in the best possible way, we don’t reflect on their situation.”
Team News
Thomas Tuchel was given two injury boosts on Tuesday as duo Antonio Rudiger and Reece James returned to team training ahead of their trip to Manchester.
Tuchel confirmed that both could be available for delection to face Ralf Rangnick’s side.
He said: "Toni was in training yesterday, the same for Reece James
"We have another training coming. Hopefully they can do the full training and give us the green light. We hope they can be in the squad and play tomorrow."
As for Ralf Rangnick’s men, their injury list continues to grow with Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Fred and Edinson Cavani are all ruled out with Aaron Wan Bissaka facing a late fitness test.
When asked about the potential chance of youngsters being apart of the squad, Ralf Rangnick implied that Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho would be in the squad again.
19-year-old Alvaro Fernandez could be in line to make his matchday squad debut with Shola Shoretire also in contention to return to the squad.
Rangnick said: “It’s possible.
“We will try to play the best possible team of those players that are available.
“Right now, it seems we have 14 in our professional team without the youngsters that are available and probably three or four of those young players will be part of the squad.”
Player to Watch – Cristiano Ronaldo
No matter the day. Cristiano Ronaldo is always a threat. Justifying why he’s considered one of the best to grace a football pitch.
The Striker returned to United’s matchday squad at the weekend after missing out on their trip to Anfield after recently announcing the tragic death of his newborn son.
Ronaldo returned to the swuad and returned on the scoresheet. His everpresent threat was evident against Arsenal despite his side’s disappointing performance.
Regardless of the form Manchester United are in, Chelsea’s defence will have to be perfect to limit Ronaldo’s chances of hurting them as ine chance is enough for a player of his calibure.
Where can I watch?
The game will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Premier League, Ultra HD and Main Event with a 19:45 kick off.
