Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 31
Chelsea v Manchester United
Stamford Bridge
London, England
Thursday, 4 April 2024
Kick-off is at 21h15
Manchester United will be looking to their recent record against Chelsea for inspiration when they travel to Stamford Bridge for the 64th
Premier League meeting between the two teams on Thursday, April 4.
The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 12 league encounters with the Blues and ran out 2-1 victors in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on December 6 to make it two wins in succession.
Erik ten Hag's side have been plagued by injuries all season which has contributed to poor performances on the pitch and they were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on March 30.
United's hopes of UEFA Champions League football is slowly slipping away as they fell eight points behind Tottenham (5th) in the race for a top-four finish, with Aston Villa three clear of Spurs in fourth place, having played one game more.
The Lilywhites battled back from an early goal down to beat Luton 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 30, while the Villans emerged 2-0 victors against Wolves at Villa Park.
Mauricio Pochettino's side twice squandered the lead against 10-man Burnley to draw 2-2 in the capital which left them one point outside the top 10 in 11th position.
Fulham trail their West London rivals by a single point in 12th spot after being held to a 3-3 draw by basement boys Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, while Bournemouth (13th) edged Everton 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium to close within one of the Cottagers.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
In team news, Ten Hag remains without Luke Shaw (thigh), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Anthony Martial (groin), although Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Altay Bayindir could be available for selection. Pochettino has a whole host of injuries to contend with as Wesley Fofana (knee), Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu, Malo Gusto (all thigh), Levi Colwill (ankle), Carney Chukwuemeka, Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah are all sidelined, but Ben Chilwell could return to contention.
Pochettino felt there was a distinct lack of energy from his players off the ball, which the Clarets took full advantage of to earn a share of the spoils.
"Today we didn't show the capacity, the energy, the hunger that is the minimum to compete in the Premier League. In the defensive phase we conceded too much. That is why I am so upset and disappointed," the Argentine said.
"It is about being stronger as a group, stronger to be like a team. For different reasons we are so slow evolving in this area and that was the key today.
"It is not about finding excuses but the team played well, we had energy when we were going forward, but when we didn't have the ball we didn't show the same energy."
Ten Hag insists there are valuable lessons to be learned against the Bees, who scored a dramatic late equaliser just three minutes after Mason Mount fired United in front on 96 minutes.
"We made some mistakes and we have to talk about this of course. We should act differently in that occasion where we conceded the equaliser, we should have acted differently in that situation," the Dutchman said.
"As I say if you are in stoppage time and you score that goal, which maybe we didn't deserve, then I have to make compliments to the team that they hang [on] in the game.
"They were fighting but I did think Brentford wanted it more during the whole course of the game but we have to take it over the whole game, take it [beyond] the time."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Chelsea wins - 0
Man United wins - 2
Draws - 3
Premier League Matchday 31 fixtures:
Tuesday, April 2
20h30: Nottingham Forest v Fulham
20h30: Newcastle United v Everton
20h45: Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
20h45: Burnley v Wolverhampton Wanderers
21h15: West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Wednesday, April 3
20h30: Arsenal v Luton Town
20h30: Brentford v Brighton & Hove Albion
21h15: Manchester City v Aston Villa
Thursday, April 4
20h30: Liverpool v Sheffield United
21h15: Chelsea v Manchester United
Bet on the Premier League with Betway
Start your sport beting journey with Betway Malawi and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the Spanish La Liga, the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions download the Betway App and start playing on the go!