Chelsea’s final home game of the season against Manchester United will take place this Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
It’s a game that means very different things for the two clubs, but it’s always a good one between them.
Enzo Maresca‘s side are locked in the race for Champions League football, but they were dealt a crushing defeat on Sunday against Newcastle.
Aston Villa also managed to beat Bournemouth the day before, so they are level on points, with Nottingham Forest just one point behind as well.
So, it’s a very real possibility that the Blues miss out on a return to UEFA’s elite competition.
Meanwhile, Man United‘s focus is on the Europa League final against Tottenham, but they still don’t want to keep losing games and potentially finish 17th.
Why is Chelsea vs Man United on Friday?
This match was initially scheduled for Sunday, May 18.
There are no Premier League games on Saturday this weekend due to an agreement with the FA.
The deal was that when the FA Cup was on, there would be no top-flight action, and because it’s the FA Cup final, the Premier League isn’t on.
Games are instead taking place on Friday or Sunday, and this match has been picked by Sky Sports for TV coverage.
And because they don’t have their usual Saturday 5:30pm slot this weekend, it’s on Friday instead.
Chelsea vs Man United: Team news
Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson for the rest of the domestic season.
The striker was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle and will miss three Premier League matches.
Jadon Sancho is on loan, so is ineligible to face his parent club.
Wesley Fofana is out with a hamstring problem, while Christopher Nkunku is also struggling.
With this being the final match before the Europa League final, we could see some rotation from United.
Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee and Ayden Heaven will play no part.
But Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are in contention.
Chelsea vs Man United: What has been said?
United head coach Ruben Amorim has cast doubts over his future next season.
Amorim could win a European trophy, but he feels the league form can’t be ignored.
Speaking after losing to West Ham, he said: “We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club, and it’s the end of the world to lose a game at home.
“If we are not scared of losing a game as Manchester United and don’t have that fear anymore, it is the most dangerous thing a big club can have.
“Everybody here has to think seriously about a lot of things.
“Everybody is thinking about the [Europa League] final. The final is not the issue. We have bigger things to think about.
“I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. We need to change that.
“It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club.
“We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this.
“If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
Chelsea vs Man United: Date and how to follow
This Premier League game is set to take place on Friday, May 16.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for 8:15pm.
talkSPORT will have live coverage from west London, with Hugh Woozencroft serving as your presenter.
Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
talkSPORT.com will have regular updates throughout via our dedicated live blog.
The match will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Chelsea vs Man United: talkSPORT BET Odds
- Chelsea – 1/3
- Draw – 4/1
- Man United – 7/1
Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest Premier League betting odds and bet boosts
*odds subject to change. 18+ gambleaware.org
