Chelsea vs Manchester United
FA Cup 2018-19
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Monday 18 January, 2019
Kick-off: 7:30pm GMT
Both Chelsea and Manchester United are looking to bounce back from chastening defeats when they meet in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday night.
While Maurizio Sarri’s side picked up a first-leg win in their Europa League last 32 clash with Malmo on Thursday, the memories of last Sunday’s 6-0 hammering at Manchester City are still fresh in the memories of Blues fans.
United meanwhile were humbled and outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League clash on Tuesday with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffering his first defeat since taking over as interim boss.
The Norwegian has entered a crucial run of fixtures that could decide whether he gets the permanent job – with the visit of Liverpool following Monday’s trip to the capital.
Chelsea team news
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Monday's clash with and will give a late fitness test to Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Blues midfielder Loftus-Cheek missed Thursday's Europa League trip to Malmo having suffered a recurrence of his persistent back problem.
Left-back Marcos Alonso could return after being omitted from Maurizio Sarri's squad for the trip to Sweden.
Provisional squad: Kepa, Caballero, Azpilicueta, Zappacosta, Emerson, Alonso, Christensen, Luiz, Rudiger, Ampadu, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi, Willian, Hazard, Pedro, Higuain, Giroud.
Man Utd team news
Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have been ruled out for up to three weeks after suffering muscle injuries in the first half against PSG.
While it serves as a huge blow, it provides an opportunity for forwards Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to rediscover their goalscoring touch.
Solskjaer said it also opens doors for attacking youngsters Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong, who have been pushing for first-team action this season.
"It is a chance for anyone who plays, whether it is Alexis, Romelu or Angel (Gomes)," the Norwegian coach added.
"Anthony and Jesse have done really well for us, they're vital, but then again with Rom and Alexis, they've got different skill sets and will be able to show what they can do.
"We still have forward options but Angel and Chongy have been training with us all week, even the weeks leading up to this, so there is a big chance they will be involved."
Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are the only other absentees because of minor injuries.
Provisional squad: De Gea, Romero, Grant, Dalot, Shaw, Young, Jones, Bailly, Smalling, Lindelof, Fred, Matic, Herrera, McTominay, Pereira, Pogba, Mata, Sanchez, Lukaku, Rashford, Chong, Gomes.
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Man Utd
Losing Lingard and Martial is an enormous blow for Solskjaer.
Central to his success has been that fluid front three led by Marcus Rashford and with two key components ruled out, the Norwegian will be forced to rethink how his side operate.
As demonstrated on Tuesday, neither Alexis Sanchez or Juan Mata have the pace to offer the same verve going forward.
Chelsea vs Man Utd tickets
For ticket information click here to head to Chelsea's website.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Chelsea to win: 19/20
- Draw after 90 minutes: 13/5
- Man Utd to win: 29/10
First goalscorer odds
- Eden Hazard: 9/2
- Gonzalo Higuain: 9/2
- Marcus Rashford: 13/2
- Romelu Lukaku: 15/2
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will be televised live in the UK on BBC One. A live stream will also be available on the BBC Sport website.
You can also follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
There have been 181 meetings between these two giants of English football over the years.
Manchester United have 84 wins to their name compared to Chelsea's 54.
The Blues have lost just two of the last 17 meetings, however.
