Chelsea will host Manchester United in a must-win clash if they want to keep their hopes of making the Champions League alive next season. 

Chelsea under Enzo Maresca have seen their fair share of ups and downs, and their recent 2-0 loss to Newcastle has put a dent on their reignited hopes of making the top 4. The Blues have suffered a poor run of form since December 2024 which had seen them drop from 2nd to 6th in the league standings. However, three straight wins in their last 4 games has put them back in the conversation for making the Champions League next year. 

Everything seemed like it was going according to plan until their 2-0 loss to Newcastle United. To make matters worse, they will be without striker, Nicolas Jackson, who saw a red card for a malicious tackle on Sven Botman. Jackson has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s most reliable striker, but they will have to find a way to beat Manchester United without him.

Manchester United have been in a poor run of form, especially in the league, but they have a history of churning out their best performances when they play their rivals. They will definitely be looking to put up a performance for the ages and maybe hinder the Blues from getting all three points.

Enzo Maresca will also be without Jadon Sancho, who is on loan from parent club Manchester United. This means that Madueke and Neto are assured of starting spots, and Tyrique George or Nkunku may be tipped to start in front. It is a fixture that could change the momentum of Chelsea’s season, especially with one crucial game to go against Nottingham Forest.