By Karl Matchett
Back among the elite, somehow
Despite both these clubs having been in abysmal form across different parts of the season – especially considering the vast sums spent in the transfer market and the managerial changes they’ve both embarked upon – it seems improbable that both could play in the Champions League next season.
Yet here we are: United have their Europa League final to prepare for, while Chelsea’s focus is on Conference League success but also a top-five finish in the Premier League. At this stage it’s in their hands to do exactly that, but they can’t afford a slip-up in the final home game for their league campaign, particularly against the side in the joint-worst form in the competition.
Historically bad, recently awful
Needless to say this will be Man United’s worst Premier League finish in the modern era – 13th in 1990 was their worst finish since being relegated from the old Division One in 73/74, but 2024/25 will be levels worse than that in position terms. United can’t point to recent improvements either; over the last five league games, nobody has taken fewer points than their grand total of…one. The only potential positive to a side in such dismal form making Europe’s top competition next year may turn out to be that the side they must beat in the final – Tottenham – are in fact the only side below them in the league table who won’t be relegated.
Recent form
A defeat at Newcastle last time out was Chelsea’s first following five straight wins in all competitions. At home in the league, they are unbeaten in nine – they’ve largely come through their poor midseason run of six losses in 12 spanning December to February and home form may be the defining factor for a top-five finish. For United, it’s three wins in 11 and all three have come in Europe. Wretched league form has seen them win twice since 26th January – against two relegated sides in Ipswich and Leicester.
Team news
Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are the most notable injury absences, the latter two more problematic since Jadon Sancho is ineligible against his parent club and Nicolas Jackson is now suspended. United are missing Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot from defence, plus Joshua Zirkzee.
Key player
Obviously Cole Palmer will be Chelsea’s main threat but given the lack of striker options they have, Pedro Neto will likely play as the No. 9 and must provide a finishing touch – he has created 45 chances and 10 big chances this term, third in the squad for both, but but manages only 0.7 shots on target and 0.13 xG per 90 in the league.
Prediction
Chelsea to get the result they need, United to get a step closer to closing this ridiculous chapter: Chelsea 2-1 Man United.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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