LONDON – Chelsea – Manchester United set to be the best player in a game on Sunday (start time 11:30 a.m.ET on NBCSN and online via NBCSports.com) at Stamford Bridge, as both sides at least aim to finish in the Premier League top four.
STREAM CHELSEA – MANCHESTER UNITED LIVE
Thomas Tuchel has Chelsea in the right direction and remains undefeated as Blues boss as they are in the top four and are just six points behind second-placed Manchester United heading into this game. After their impressive UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg victory over Atletico Madrid in midweek, Chelsea will be in high spirits.
Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have performed well in recent months as they have lost just once in 19 Premier League games. They are still 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, whom they face the week after this game, and it looks like a pivotal stage in the Red Devils’ season. If United are to keep their low title hopes, they have to win at Chelsea.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Chelsea – Manchester United, as I’ll be on site at Stamford Bridge for a humdinger in West London on Sunday.
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Live analysis on Chelsea – Manchester, on site at Stamford Bridge
Player ratings for Chelsea vs Manchester United. Who played ? Who fought? Through @JPW_NBCSports, on site at Stamford Bridge, as he reveals his grades out of 10 for each #CFC and #MUFC player ⤵️ #CHEMUN https://t.co/uqtP5JqnjN
– NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 28, 2021
🇺🇸🔵🧐 Christian Pulisic Watch: How the #USMNT star in Chelsea vs Manchester United? Minute-by-minute analysis of @JPW_NBCSports, on site at Stamford Bridge, for #CFC v #MUFC ️ https://t.co/BdCVegsfOU
– NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 28, 2021
FULLTIME – Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United. Pulisic had an impact on the bench, but Chelsea couldn’t find a late winner. United have come close with some long-term effort, and they’ll be happy with the point.
WHAT A LIQUIDATION! Lindelof made a superb clearance at the far post to beat Timo Werner. What a cross from Reece James! #CFC 0-0 #MUFC #CHEMUN
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
83rd minute: Werner so close to scoring at the far post. Chelsea are pushing hard, but United are threatening at the break.
75th minute: Pulisic making a nuisance. Maguire booked for hacking it.
65th minute: Christian Pulisic is at Chelsea. He replaces Olivier Giroud. Looks like the USMNT star is playing in front! Interesting. Especially with Werner and Havertz on the bench.
CLOSE! Mendy denies McTominay’s shot at the near post. Mason Greenwood comes out superbly and shoots just above. Moments earlier, Bruno Fernandes had just overplayed a ball to Marcus Rashford. #CFC 0-0 #MUFC #CHEMUN
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
59th minute: Looks like we might see Pulisic soon!
Christian Pulisic is warming up and Thomas Tuchel spoke to him quickly. Looks like 🇺🇸 #USMNT star will be arriving soon. Chelsea need a spark in attack. Werner and Havertz are also warming up now. #CFC 0-0 #MUFC #CHEMUN
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
55th minute: Much of the same in the second half. Chelsea have a bit more of the ball, with Hakim Ziyech forcing De Gea to make a save and Reece James playing well on the right.
🔵🔴😬 The first half was tight and tense at Chelsea against Manchester United here at Stamford Bridge.
Here are my half-time thoughts, sure too #CFC must go? #MUFC looks dangerous on the break …#CHEMUN stream live link, analysis, odds and more ➡️ https://t.co/CoFnRbp6t3 pic.twitter.com/CgGMrbq31g
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
HALF TIME! Very tight and tense play here at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea came close to a few crosses, but Manchester United had most of the ball. The big moment was a potential penalty for United, but it’s all very irregular and a lot of late tackles are coming. You have the feeling that it will be won on the bench!
45th minute: Giroud is caught late and there are some, let’s chat, shall we say, with McTominay. United look more dangerous at the end of the first half. Rudiger and McTominay get down to it before the break.
36th minute: So close ! Great cross from Hudson-Odoi as Giroud just can’t connect with his diving header as he collides with the post. Chelsea appear to be the more dangerous of the two teams.
30th minute: It’s still so alive. Lots of tackles fuse all over the field. A lot of debate here in the press gallery about this possible handball. I could see the VAR giving it away, but it’s still accidental handball and it hit both players’ arms / hand. Probably one of those “play!” »Situations.
21st minute: VAR control for a handball on Hudson-Odoi. No penalty kick given. Ball hit Greenwood on the arm and knocked down Hudson-Odoi as well. Controversial moment. It gets very spicy on the ground, and on the fringes! Moments later, Hudson-Odoi shoots a volley right off. Great effort!
13th minute: “It’s ridiculous!” Thomas Tuchel shouts as United win a free kick after a foul on Mount. Rashford’s mighty effort saved by Mendy.
12th minute: Very good intensity for this match from the start! Chelsea have had a lot of joy on their left thanks to Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, while Manchester United are dangerous at the break. Solskjaer tells United to “wake up!” and McTominay to look behind him.
TO START UP! Olivier Giroud to Harry Maguire after he got off saying he had been kicked in the head by the Frenchman: “You’re lying!” Moments later, Luke Shaw brilliantly shoves the ball away from Giroud who was about to return home. Lively start! Solskjaer tells Scott McTominay to take a look behind him in midfield.
London Calling by the Clash now sounds over the Stamford Bridge public address system. It’s almost time to kick off!
It was amazing watching Manchester United’s shooting drill to end their warm-ups. Bruno Fernandes and Fred marked beauties.
Bruno Fernandes has scored absolute points in shooting practice here in the warm-ups. Manchester United players in awe of his finish. Incredible to witness this close-up! #CFC #MUFC #CHEMUN
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
We are almost there! Chelsea unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel, while Manchester United have lost just one of their last 19 Premier League games. Huge stakes for both teams as they push hard to finish in the top four.
Everything is set and ready to go here at Stamford Bridge!
Chelsea vs Man United team news: #CFC bring Chilwell, Kante and Ziyech to the starting XI. XI stable enough for #MUFC.
I will have live analysis and reaction from a huge match in the top 4 battle ➡️ https://t.co/TiXxqz5lmF pic.twitter.com/AGfKrc0W5M
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
Hello from Stamford Bridge! The sun is shining and we have a huge battle at the top of the Premier League. Let’s go!
👋🔵🔴 Hello everyone and welcome to beautiful West London for Chelsea v Manchester United!
I will have live analysis and reaction from Stamford Bridge on #CFC v #MUFC.
A huge match in the top 4 battle, stream here ➡️ https://t.co/TiXxqz5lmF#CHEMUN Kicks off at 11:30 a.m. ET pic.twitter.com/MtolZBKN16
– Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) February 28, 2021
Injuries and team news
Chelsea only have one major injury issue, as Thiago Silva continues to get back into shape after sustaining an injury against Tottenham earlier this month. The veteran center-back will not be in good shape for this game. USMNT star Christian Pulisic is back from a calf injury, and Tuchel has had some interesting things to say about his future at Chelsea.
Manchester United have Paul Pogba injured, while Solskjaer is also without Edinson Cavani although Donny van de Beek is fit for the bench.
Today’s squad will face Man Utd! ?? #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/BRAgwCFG3z
– Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 28, 2021
📣 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📣
Present your Reds to face the Blues 👇
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2021
What they say
Thomas Tuchel on this game: “If we win it will be huge for us and if they win it will be huge for them.”
Ends and ends (Full odds provided by our partner, PointsBet)
Chelsea are the favorite at +125, while Manchester United are priced at +230 to win. The draw is probably the smart bet at +220.
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Prediction
I will aim for a narrow victory for Manchester United. Yes Chelsea have improved but I think Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will be too much for the Blues to deal with and that will force them to make it an open and entertaining game. It will suit United better. Victory on the outside. Chelsea 2-3 Manchester United.
How to watch Chelsea – Manchester United, broadcast and start time
Kick off: 11:30 a.m. ET, Sunday
TV Channel: NBCSN
In line: Stream via NBCSports.com
