A resurgent Chelsea side host Manchester United in the Premier League with Thomas Tuchel’s side hoping to close the gap on their ‘Big six’ rivals. They are six points behind the Reds going into the crucial game on Sunday.
Chelsea form
The Blues have hit a good run of form since Thomas Tuchel took charge. They have won four and drawn two of their six league games, and are just two points off the top four in fifth place.
The German has solidified Chelsea with his 3-4-1-2 formation; Chelsea have conceded just twice in eight games under Tuchel, compared with 10 in the final eight under Lampard.
The Stamford Bridge club have won six of 12 home leagues games this season, drawing four and losing two. Their defeats came against Liverpool and Man City under Lampard, while they have kept a clean sheet in each of their three home games under their new manager.
Man United form
Man United beat Newcastle 3-1 last week to remain second in the Premier League table. Their title hopes now look over after Manchester City’s 13 wins in a row and United’s blip; taking just nine points from their last 18. But they’re still on track to be the best of the rest with their neighbours on a different level.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are unbeaten in the Premier League away from home since January 2020 when they lost to Liverpool. They have won 13 and drawn six of their 19 away league games since the defeat.
Bruno Fernandes has been central to that since he moved last January. He has the same number of goal involvements as Lionel Messi (54) while only Mohamed Salah has scored more league goals than the Portuguese this season (15).
United are the leading scorers in the division with 53 goals, but they are yet to score in open play against a ‘Big six’ side in the Premier League this season.
Head-to-head
Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last season – they haven’t lost consecutive home games against United since 1995.
The Red Devils have won their last three away games against Chelsea, and have never won four in a row. Chelsea have failed to score in three consecutive Premier League against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Tuchel against United
Thomas Tuchel faced Man United four times during his PSG career, famously losing to a stoppage time penalty from Marcus Rashford in a dramatic knockout tie in the Champions League. He lost both home games but won twice at Old Trafford.
Featured image: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates with Nemanja Matic after scoring his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on February 21, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
