Chelsea and Manchester United square off under the Stamford Bridge lights with vastly different stakes riding on their final Premier League clashes. For the Blues, the goal is Champions League qualification. For the Red Devils, it’s simply to salvage pride in what has been a harrowing domestic campaign.
Chelsea: Top five dream still alive but fragile
Chelsea’s European push hit a bump last time out with a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, ending a five-match winning streak across all competitions. Despite the loss, Enzo Maresca’s side remains in fifth place, level on points with Aston Villa but ahead on goal difference, clinging to that final Champions League spot.
Home comforts may prove vital, with the Blues unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in the league since Boxing Day. Only Liverpool and Villa have lost fewer at home this season. Confidence will also come from a strong recent record against United in West London, where they haven’t lost to the Red Devils since early 2021.
Manchester United: Season spiralling into chaos
Manchester United’s dismal campaign hit another low after a 2-0 loss to West Ham at Old Trafford, their seventh league game without a win. Ruben Amorim’s men sit 16th in the table and risk finishing with fewer than 40 points for the first time in Premier League history.
Their away form is just as alarming: one point from their last four league trips and a total of 17 defeats this season. With a Europa League final on the horizon, it’s likely that the Red Devils’ focus is already shifting elsewhere, though they still have to navigate tough league fixtures against Chelsea and Villa.
Team News
Chelsea will be without Nicolas Jackson, who is suspended after his red card at Newcastle. Injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu leave the Blues short on striking options, while Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman remain long-term absentees.
Manchester United are also dealing with injuries. Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, and Diogo Dalot are all sidelined. There are fresh concerns over Leny Yoro, who limped off against West Ham, potentially leaving Amorim scrambling for options at the back.
Predicted Line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, George; Neto
Manchester United (3-4-2-1):
Bayindir; Fredricson, Lindelof, Shaw; Kamason, Eriksen, Ugarte, Amass; Mainoo, Garnacho; Obi
Match Info:
Date: May 16, 2025
Kickoff: 8:15pm (WAT)
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
What’s at Stake
Chelsea are battling to stay in the top five and secure a Champions League return, while United are trying to avoid finishing in the bottom six. For Maresca, three points could solidify his side’s European hopes.
For Amorim, any kind of result may be critical in stopping the rot and preserving some dignity ahead of the Europa League final.
