Fifth will attempt to overtake fourth in a tantalizing Stamford Bridge battle this evening, as Chelsea and Manchester United renew hostilities in the Premier League.
The Blues were held to a 0-0 draw by Brentford in midweek, while Erik ten Hag’s team convincingly put Tottenham Hotspur to the sword in a 2-0 victory.
Only a few days after Kepa Arrizabalaga had to save Chelsea’s bacon in their win over Aston Villa, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper came to the fore once more at the Gtech Community Stadium, as Chelsea’s five-game winning run came to an abrupt end.
Kepa’s compatriot and opposite number David Raya was also on top form as the West London derby ended without the net rippling once, but Potter’s side still remain in the driving seat for Champions League football amid a particularly resilient defensive streak.
While upcoming opponents Man United did collect all three points in their midweek game, one for Chelsea was enough to keep them in the fourth and final Champions League spot in the table, now three points behind Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand on their capital counterparts.
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Defeat for Chelsea would knock them out of the Champions League berths here, but Potter’s side welcome Man United to Stamford Bridge having kept a clean sheet in each of their last five Premier League games, and they have only shipped a mere two in all tournaments since the 47-year-old took the reins.
Furthermore, the hosts are yet to taste defeat at Stamford Bridge this term and have won each of their last three Premier League games at their West London home, but Man United have demonstrated a penchant for performances against Big Six sides from the capital under Ten Hag.
Neither Liverpool nor Arsenal had Man United’s number upon their visits to Old Trafford earlier this season, and while Tottenham fans may have been revelling in their rivals’ defeats, they left Old Trafford with their tails between their legs as Ten Hag’s side dominated from start to finish.