Chelsea host Manchester United on Friday in a Premier League game of far greater significance to the Blues than the Red Devils.
Last weekend's 2-0 loss at Newcastle United struck a blow to Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League. They come into this game in fifth place in the standings, but with Aston Villa level on points and Nottingham Forest only one behind, another slip-up could prove extremely damaging.
United are languishing in 16th place and already assured of their worst finish in the Premier League era, but their focus has been on the Europa League for some weeks now. With next Wednesday's final against Tottenham on the horizon, head coach Ruben Amorim is likely to make a number of changes to his lineup to keep his best performers fresh, even though he is desperate to avoid yet another defeat following a miserable 2-0 loss at home to West Ham last time out.
Enzo Maresca has a problem to solve in attack due to knocks and suspensions, while Amorim must balance keeping his players match fit while avoiding undue risk of injury. The lineups could be interesting.
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Chelsea vs. Man United lineups, starting 11, team news
Nicolas Jackson's red card at Newcastle last time out means he is banned for the rest of Chelsea's games this season.
That gives Maresca a decision to make in attack. With Christopher Nkunku struggling with a minor injury and Jadon Sancho ineligible to face his parent club due to the terms of his loan deal, youngster Tyrique George has been given his first Premier League start.
Marc Guiu did not manage to make the squad as his recovery from a thigh injury continues.
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella — E. Fernandez, Caicedo — Neto, Palmer, Madueke — George.
Injured: Guiu (thigh), Nkunku (undisc., doubt), Anselmino (thigh), Kellyman (thigh), Fofana (thigh)
Suspended: Jackson (red card), Mudryk (doping violation).
Ineligible: Sancho (loan stipulation).
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United's focus remains the Europa League final next week, so Amorim will almost certainly rotate his side again to keep players fresh, although he insisted on Thursday that he would field a side strong enough to try to win the match.
Andre Onana returns in goal after sitting out the loss to West Ham, while Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu all get a run-out from the start.
Leny Yoro went off with a foot problem against West Ham and will sit this one out along with fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt. Key first-team players such as Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo are both in the starting lineup but are likely to be substituted in the second half.
Man United starting lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw — Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu — Diallo, Mount — Hojlund.
Injured: De Ligt (knee), Yoro (foot), Heaven (ankle/foot), Zirkzee (thigh), L. Martinez (knee), Dalot (lower leg).
Suspended: None.
Chelsea vs. Man United live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | — | Peacock |
| Canada | — | Fubo |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event | Sky GO, Now TV |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema |