MATCH PREVIEW: MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA

Manchester United will aim to keep their fleeting hopes of a top-four Premier League finish alive when Chelsea make the journey to Old Trafford on Thursday night. The Red Devils went down 3-1 to Arsenal at the weekend, while Thomas Tuchel's men left it late to overcome London rivals West Ham United 1-0.

Match preview

Preview: Man Utd vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups
In spite of fleeting optimism that the appointment of Erik ten Hag could galvanise the Man United players - some of whom may be playing for their futures at the club under the new boss - the Red Devils once again lost ground in the race for Champions League football to a direct top-four rival at the Emirates.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th Premier League goal after a tragic week was a nice touch for the 37-year-old, but Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka struck in a 3-1 success for the Gunners, who certainly rode their luck as Bruno Fernandes missed from the spot in the second half.

Taking just four points from 15 on offer since the start of the month and losing three of their last four means that Man United are at risk of dropping out of the European places entirely never mind a Champions League pursuit, with Ralf Rangnick's side now sixth in the rankings and six points behind Arsenal having played a game more.
Manchester United Premier League form:

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Manchester United form (all competitions):
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Chelsea Premier League form:
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Chelsea form (all competitions):
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Team News
Preview: Man Utd vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; McTominay, Fred; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Chalobah, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Havertz