Chelsea’s players know the importance of Friday night’s showdown against Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Blues have been preparing this week for a gigantic fixture against Man Utd at Stamford Bridge, which is their final home match of the 2024/25 season.
In the final two weeks of the Premier League campaign, all eyes are on a tense race for Champions League qualification. Ultimately, only the top five clubs qualify for next year’s elite European club competition.
Chelsea host Man Utd on Friday before travelling to Nottingham Forest on the final day, so can they hold on to what they have?
Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Newcastle United last Sunday means that the 23-year-old Blues striker is suspended for the remaining league matches.
Ahead of the Man Utd fixture, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea injury update confirmed that forwards Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu will not be available to start on Friday evening. It means that the head coach may need to get creative with his starting XI against Man Utd.
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton predict Chelsea vs Manchester United
First up, Paul Merson has tipped Chelsea to record a comprehensive victory in their must-win game against Man Utd.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “It’s a nothing game for Manchester United and I expect Chelsea to secure an easy win…
“The last thing Manchester United should do is start Bruno Fernandes against Chelsea. He’s been their best player and you can’t risk him being injured ahead of the big final. I expect Chelsea to take full advantage and secure a crucial win here.
“Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United.”
As for Chris Sutton, he agrees that Chelsea will pick up a crucial three points against Man Utd to boost their chances of finishing in the top five positions.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “Chelsea could not have picked a better time to play Manchester United. This is a great opportunity for them in their bid for a top-five finish.
“Chelsea are without suspended striker Nicolas Jackson after his red card against Newcastle, which ended their hopes of getting anything at St James’ Park.
“I am not sure who will play up front on Friday instead of Jackson, or who will get their goals, but I still fully expect Enzo Maresca’s side to win…
“Sutton’s prediction: 1-0.”
No excuses for Chelsea
Of course, Nicolas Jackson’s absence against Man Utd is a blow for Chelsea because he’s an automatic starter. It means that they’ll need to ask either Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto or Tyrique George to lead the line.
However, there is no excuse for the Blues not to collect maximum points as they fight for Champions League qualification.
Let us remember that this is a Man Utd side sitting 16th in the Premier League table with 39 points from 36 games. On top of that, it’s quite clear that Ruben Amorim’s side will have one eye on the Europa League final against Tottenham next Wednesday.
Several key Manchester United players missed training this week ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge.
It feels like everything is in Chelsea’s favour to collect three points, but it’s now up to the players to do the talking on the pitch. Recent history proves that this fixture is usually a tight affair.
