Chelsea v Manchester United: Expect All Out War at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea v Manchester United
FA Cup
Stamford Bridge, London
Monday April 1, 2013
12:30 GMT

Chelsea and Manchester United square up for this FA Cup replay after United let a two goal lead slip in the first game at Old Trafford. United have the form heading into this match as they beat Sunderland 1-0 away from home on Saturday afternoon while Chelsea lost.

Chelsea Preview

Chelsea made a number of changes for their match against Southampton and it cost them big time, as they lost that match 2-1. Domestically they have only lost two home matches in the Premier League this season but one of those was at the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

Injuries and Suspensions

Gary Cahill is struggling to be fit for the game as he recovers from the same knock which recently kept him out of England duty. Oriol Romeu is the only other injury worry, out for the rest of the season but Rafa Benitez will make changes with this game so close to the Southampton defeat.

Chelsea are 2.45 with Bwin to win this tie.

Manchester United Preview

United managed to maintain their 15 point gap over Manchester City with an efficient 1-0 away win at Sunderland. They will take great confidence from the fact they won this league fixture and only narrowly missed out during the League Cup game at Stamford Bridge, which Chelsea won in extra time.

Injuries and Suspensions

Darren Fletcher has no chance of playing as he continues his recovery from a bowel illness. Rafael is unlikely to play after being subbed off against Sunderland with a groin strain and Paul Scholes is still nursing his way back from a knee injury. Phil Jones may return after an ankle knock.

United are amazingly second favourites at 2.80 with Bwin.

Chelsea v Manchester United Statistics

Chelsea have dropped points on six different occasions at home this season in the Premier League but they have also won nine fixtures. United have a better attack at home but Chelsea’s defence has conceded only 12 goals at the Bridge all season long.

United’s away form has been very consistent with 11 wins and dropped points in only four matches. They have the joint best attack away from home with Tottenham Hotspur on 31 goals and only Manchester City and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals.

Head to Head: There have been 76 meetings between the two teams at Stamford Bridge with United ahead on wins by ten with 33 compared to 23. United won this league fixture earlier in the season 3-2 but Chelsea got some revenge with their 5-4 League Cup win.

Recent Form

Chelsea have been very inconsistent throughout March with a combined record of three wins, two defeats and one draw. They did come back superbly to draw with United during the first match of this tie at Old Trafford.

United have secured back-to-back wins since the draw against Chelsea which was preceded by a Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. United haven’t lost an away match since November in any competition.

Chelsea v Manchester United Prediction

This will be a fascinating match between two teams going at it in a typical English cup tie. Both teams don’t have masses of injuries, which means the best elevens should be fielded and United should have enough quality to get over the line. Chelsea 1-2 Manchester United.

Back three goals to be scored during the match at 4.50 with Bwin.