Chelsea vs Man United is usually one of the biggest and best Premier League fixtures that fans are treated to during a season.
However, for the Red Devils this time around, all focus will already be on another game.
Ruben Amorim’s side are set for their lowest ever finish in the Premier League, as they sit 16th with two matches to play.
Their woeful campaign has meant all hopes of success this year have been put on the Europa League, with a huge final now coming up.
Man United are preparing for an all-English final against Tottenham, and it’s a make-or-break game for both teams and their managers.
It means this clash against Chelsea is certain to be on the back burner and Amorim will surely be making wholesale changes to keep his stars fit for the big one.
Manchester United predicted line-up
United have majorly rotated between Europa League and Premier League fixtures as they moved closer to glory on the continent.
After their first leg win over Athletic Bilbao earlier this month, Amorim made eight changes to his first team for the following meeting with Brentford.
Another six changes were made after the second leg as the Red Devils were beaten by West Ham, but Bruno Fernandes was among some first-teamers to keep their place.
This time out, it’s not expected that Fernandes will start, as United take on Chelsea just days before the Europa League final.
The captain is surely too important to risk ahead of the big game, with Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund among others set to sit out.
Altay Bayindir has started the last two Premier League games in goal, and the back-up goalkeeper should keep his spot at Stamford Bridge.
In defence, Leny Yoro is a doubt after picking up a foot injury against West Ham, so he looks set to join Matthijs De Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Diogo Dalot in the treatment room.
It means that youngster Tyler Fredricson could form part of Amorim’s back three, including Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw, as both Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui rest.
At wing-back, Harry Amass will start over Patrick Dorgu again after 90 minutes last weekend, and Amad Diallo could continue to increase his gametime on the right.
A fresh midfield pairing of Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to come into the starting team as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte sit out this contest.
Mainoo played in a more advanced role last time out, but he could drop deeper to cover, with Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho further forward.
Chido Obi will likely lead the line as Hojlund drops out to prepare for the final, while Joshua Zirkzee remains sidelined with an injury.
Chelsea predicted line-up
For Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca, the importance of this game is the complete opposite of Man United’s approach.
The Blues need to win to keep up their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League as they battle to maintain their place in the top five.
It means Robert Sanchez will likely remain in goal with Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah starting yet again.
Captain Reece James may start back at right-back, allowing Moises Caicedo to return to midfield alongside Romeo Lavia.
Jadon Sancho can’t feature against his parent club, so Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will be out wide, with Enzo Fernandez potentially taking up a more attacking central role.
Up front, Nicolas Jackson is absent after being sent off during Chelsea’s defeat to Newcastle last time out.
Neto has covered in striker before, but with the absence of Sancho and Christopher Nkunku for this game, he is needed on the wing, so Cole Palmer may lead the line instead.
Chelsea vs Man United: How to follow
This Premier League clash will take place on Friday, May 16.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for 8:15pm.
talkSPORT will have exclusive live coverage of the game presented by Hugh Woozencroft.
Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 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.
