Chelsea will start tonight’s game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge as underdogs due to their recent poor run of games in the Premier League. But their home record against the Old Trafford outfit is not bad at all.
A lot will be at stake for the Blues tonight as they continue to chase a top-five finish this season. But the results in recent months won’t give the fans much hope for a major turnaround against Man United.
Chelsea will go into the game after failing to score in three consecutive games in the Premier League, all losses, for the first time since 1998. Overall, they have lost their previous five games across all competitions against top flight opponents.
Chelsea vs Man Utd: Team news
Despite the Blues’ forwards’ recent failures, Manchester United’s defensive problems might just pose the perfect opportunity for Chelsea to find some form in front of goal.
United look set to miss both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez due to suspension. Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro won’t be available either. On the other hand, Kobbie Mainoo is a doubt for tonight’s game and Patrick Dorgu will definitely miss it.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be boosted by the return of Enzo Fernandez after serving his two-game suspension. Filip Jorgensen, Jamie Gittens, Reece James and Mykhailo Mudryk will remain absent.
Predicted Lineup
Chelsea Predicted XI – GK- Robert Sanchez, RB- Malo Gusto, CB- Wesley Fofana, CB- Jorel Hato, LB- Marc Cucurella. CM- Moises Caicedo. CM- Enzo Fernandez. CAM- Cole Palmer. RW- Estevao Willian. LW- Alejandro Garnacho. ST- Joao Pedro
Manchester United Predicted XI – Lammens; Dalot, Casemiro, Heaven, Shaw; Ugarte, Fernandes; Amad, Mount, Cunha; Mbuemo
When and How to watch:
The game will start at 8 pm BST on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Stamford Bridge.
TV Channels: The match between Chelsea and Manchester United will be available to watch live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK. In the US, the game will kick off at 15:00 EST and will be telecast on Peacock.
Head-to-head:
Played: 198
Chelsea Won: 56
Drawn: 61
Man Utd won: 81
Chelsea have only lost once in their last 12 encounters against Man Utd at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. They will also hope to achieve three consecutive home victories against them in the league since 2006.
Last five games in all competitions:-
Chelsea – L L L W L
Manchester United – W L W D L
Despite the current form being against the Blues, the home side will have to gather all the motivation they can ahead of the crucial fixture in order to strengthen their hopes of Champions League qualification for next season.
Chelsea vs Man Utd Preview
We had the chance to speak with Matt Guyett of Read Man Utd for this game, and he gave us some insight into what we can expect this evening.
ReadChelsea: What are this Man Utd team’s weaknesses under Carrick that Chelsea can take advantage of?
Matt: Manchester United were already enduring problems at the back before Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez picked up suspensions. Now with Leny Yoro set to miss the game, the Reds’ defence will be extremely vulnerable.
Luke Shaw performed fairly well as a left-sided centre-back in Ruben Amorim’s back three but he could be a weakness partnering the inexperienced Ayden Heaven.
That said, it’s at right-back where United are a concern as the defensive side of Diogo Dalot’s game is suspect. If Noussair Mazraoui starts, the Blues could be in for a good evening because he has looked way off the pace this season.
ReadChelsea: If there is one Man Utd player who could cause Chelsea troubles, who is it?
Most will probably highlight Bruno Fernandes who is of course enjoying his best season at United. But Matheus Cunha might relish coming up against Malo Gusto rather than Reece James.
The Brazilian has burst into life under Carrick and he’s always up for the big occasion. The problem Chelsea might have with Cunha is that he loves to cut inside and if he and Fernandes are at their best, it will be a real problem for whoever starts in central defence.
