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The United – Chelsea match is on Sunday and thanks to both powerhouses having off seasons (and off the field issues) it’s become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as it could decide the fate of both teams. Here are 5 must know facts about the match you can use while watching with friends and family!
1. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 9 Premier League home games against Manchester United, winning 6 and drawing 3.
This should give Chelsea fans confidence knowing that a result at home against United is not only possible but but based on previous history quite likely. United did win their last match at Stamford Bridge though with a 1-0 victory in the Champions League quarterfinal on April 6th 2011.
2. Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in only 25% (5 out of 20) of the matches Jose Bosingwa has played in.
This is far lower than the clean sheet percentage for Chelsea throughout the entire season (32% – 11 out of 34 matches) and supports the notion he is a defensive liability. With Bosingwa set to possibly feature at left back in place of Ashley Cole he could be in for a long day against an in-form Antonio Valencia (3 goals and 9 assist in his last 11 matches).
3. Chelsea have failed to score a goal in live action in 347 minutes.
The last goal was from Frank Lampard against Sunderland, who is questionable to feature in the match. Chelsea have scored 2 goals during this timespan, but one was a penalty and the other deemed an own goal. Especially if Bosingwa plays, Chelsea will need to find the back of the net somehow.
4. Manchester United have been knocked out of the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup by the end of January for the first time in their history.
This certainly has been a strange season for Manchester United in that the Europa League will be their only other competition as the end of the season approaches. This means in previous years when squad rotation and depth was critical for United to succeed both on a domestic and continental level now they can field their best players for the majority of the Premier League season.
5. Chelsea’s record against Manchester clubs when Howard Webb is the official: 0 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses.
Yes, Howard Webb will be the official of the match on Sunday and his Manchester bias is quite clear. The fact Chelsea with all their success in the past have not won a single match against a Manchester side when Webb is the official is very surprising and certainly will worry Chelsea fans regarding the way he calls the game.
I’m obviously hoping for a Chelsea win but given the form of the two clubs and players available United has the upper hand on paper. With this said, the match is at Stamford Bridge and although it’s not the fortress it once was you know the home fans will be fired up for this match.
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