What is it? Chelsea vs Manchester United in the Premier League, at Stamford Bridge. When is it? Monday February 17 2020, i.e. tonight. What time is kick-off? 8pm GMT. What TV channel is it on? It will be shown on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on both channels starting at 7pm GMT. What is the team news? Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has hinted that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could be in line for a recall against Manchester United tonight, having been dropped. “His reaction has been good as I would expect,” said Lampard. "He’s been working hard, head down. I haven’t had lots of conversations with him this week, but it’s a decision for me to make," Lampard said. For the visitors, Odion Ighalo could make his United debut from the substitute"s bench - and if he impresses then he could be signed permanently, even there is no option for that in the loan deal with Shanghai Shenhua. “It’s a loan but when you’re in the door, and if you impress, it gives you a chance,” Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. “If you impress as a player, a person, if you can help this group improve, of course there’s a chance we’ll look at extending things.” New signing Bruno Fernandes looks likely to start his first game away from home for United. What are they saying? Lampard on the battle for fourth place: “I don’t think you should speak about it too much because you end up with your eyes everywhere, up and down the table and around yourself,” he said. “I think we can only affect ourselves first and foremost. But I don’t think it’s the worst motivational tool for all of us to really understand the situation, because I have a deep sense of pride about wanting to get fourth place.” Solskjaer on United signing players in the summer, with or without Champions League football: “The Champions League gives the club more resources, more money, that’s one thing,” the United manager said. “It’s a prestigious tournament to be in, of course. Players that we might want are impressed by that, it might be easier to convince them that we’re here. “But I don’t think one season, this season is the Europa League, if next season is with or without the Champions League, I wouldn’t say that’s the be-all and end-all for a player to sign for us.” What are the odds? Chelsea 9/10 Manchester United 13/5 Draw 16/5 What"s our prediction? Manchester United"s form has take a dip recently, with just one win in five in 2020 after only losing one of their last nine league games of 2019. That has left them some way adrift of Chelsea in fourth but a win tonight would be a great help to their Champions League qualification ambitions. That said, their away form has been particularly poor, with just 12 points in 12 games. However, Chelsea have only been the 12th best team at home and that poor form at Stamford Bridge has continued recently, with just two wins - and three defeats - in their last six games there which includes defeats to West Ham, Bournemouth and Southampton. United are capable of having the odd excellent game every now and then but without Marcus Rashford to lead the attack their hopes look a lot less likely. A narrow Chelsea win, 2-1.
مشاركة :