FA Cup: Manchester United vs Chelsea Preview

Add as a preferred source on Google

Manchester, Mar 10: Two teams meet in the FA Cup quarter-finals after suffering defeats in Europe, Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League to Real Madrid while Chelsea suffered a 1-0 loss to Steau Bucharest.

United are left with a chance of clinching a double with the Premier League title firm in their grasps. FA Cup holders are still considered favourites to lift the cup but Manchester City will be waiting in line having sealed a place in the semis.

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is facing his toughest managerial stint at the Bridge. Unliked by fans and dressing room bust up with players is turning Blues' season upside down. And United players recover from that shock red card to Nani which led to them crashing out of Europe with all the focus on Wayne Rooney left out of the starting XI.

However, Ferguson did not indicate playing Rooney against Chelsea but there are high chances of him playing alongside Robin van Persie. On the other hand, Fernando Torres, who had a poor night in the Romanian capital, is likely to be replaced by Demba Ba.

The last time these two sides met in the competition it was the FA Cup final in 2007, United's last final appearance which they lost 1-0 in extra time to Didier Drogba's goal at the new Wembley.

Chelsea beat United in the League cup but the Blues suffered a 3-2 defeat in the Premier League after going down to nine men with Torres and Branislav Ivanovic sent off.

Team News

Ryan Giggs, who played his 1000th senior game in Tuesday's defeat to Real Madrid, will be rested while Ferguson will opt for either Ashley Young or Antonio Valencia. Phil Jones is still recovering from a ankle injury while Paul Scholes is out with a knee problem.

Chelsea do not suffer any injury set backs but the fans will be eager to see their talisman and captain John Terry back on the field. Demba Ba, Victor Moses and Ramires are likely to return for Chelsea after missing Thursday Europa League loss to Steaua Bucharest.

Trivia:

*These two clubs have played in 165 competitive games with United leading 72 to Chelsea's 45 wins.

Probable Lineups:

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea-Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra-Carrick, Cleverley-Kagawa, Rooney, Valencia-Van Persie

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech-Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole-Lampard, Ramirez-Oscar, Mata, Hazard-Ba

OneIndia News