Chelsea v Man Utd: FA Cup quarter-final preview
FA Cup holders Manchester United head to Stamford Bridge to face the best team in the Premier League for this quarter-final – and the visitors are without a recognisable striker. Can Jose Mourinho possibly pull off a victory in West London?
It would be a hell of an achievement. United’s unbeaten run has continued for 10 games in all competitions now, but the side have drawn their last two and for all their supposed improvements, the team remain 17 points shy of Chelsea.
Chelsea’s home form is outstanding, the Blues having won 15 of their last 16 at the Bridge. Last time United were here, they succumbed to a 4-0 drubbing, Mourinho absurdly telling off his opposite number Antonio Conte for gesturing for the crowd to make more noise.
It could be another tough night for Mou – United are without any of their main strikers, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended and Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford all out with injuries or illness.
Without a recognised forward, chances could be few and far for United, who haven’t beaten Chelsea since 2012. And with Chelsea in ominous form, it’s no surprise to find them favourites to win at 7/10. The draw is 51/20, with United 24/5 to take the victory after 90 minutes.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa has 21 goals so far this season – though only one in the FA Cup – and he is 5/4 to score at any time tonight. If you think United will put up a spirited performance here, Juan Mata might be worth backing; he scored the crucial goal in the final against Crystal Palace last season (and scored in two other FA Cup games in the previous campaign). Mata is 7/1 to score at any time.
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