While this latest match-up of Chelsea and Manchester United remains a very big game, United's struggles this season have taken a bit of the luster off the affair with only one of the teams in the title race at the moment. Then again, any time Jose Mourinho faces off against United, it's usually an interesting two hours.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United: Preview and TV schedule
Despite United’s struggles this season, a meeting between them and Chelsea remains a marquee match on the schedule.
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After a bit of an uneven start to the season, the Blues have settled in to Mourinho’s preferred style of play and steadily established themselves as a title contender this season. Chelsea are unbeaten in the their last six games -- five wins, one draw -- and have only conceded two goals in that stretch. Combine that good form with the fact that Mourinho has never lost at Stamford Bridge against United and you shouldn’t blame Blues supporters if they’re feeling good.
United's poor form will help that confidence, along with the continued absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. The Red Devils have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions, though their away form this season has been fairly strong (they're unbeaten in their last seven league away matches). David Moyes would love to get a big win over the Blues and quiet the growing storm that's been building against him in recent weeks.
One more fun fact, a win for Chelsea would be Mourinho’s 100th win in the Premier League.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Branislav Ivanovic (knee). In doubt: Frank Lampard (calf)
Mancehster United injuries and suspensions
Out: Wayne Rooney (groin), Robin van Persie (thigh), Rafael (suspended).
United remain without their top two attacking players as Rooney and Van Persie both remained sidelined with muscle related injuries. Defender Rafael is serving the final game of his three match ban. Frank Lampard could return for Chelsea but defender Branislav Ivanovic is out with knee problems.
Projected lineups
Chelsea: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpiluceta, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel, Ramires, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres.
Manchester United: David de Gea, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidić, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa, Adrian Januzaj, Danny Welbeck
Match Date/Time: 4 p.m. local, 11:00 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBC Sports Network, Telemundo (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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