Marouane Fellaini is coming off an excellent performance for Manchester United last week. (Getty)
With seven games left in the English Premier League season, Chelsea is closing on its fifth title all time and first since 2009-2010. Manager Jose Mourinho has watched as contenders have fallen by the wayside over the second half of the season. With just two losses in 31 EPL games, Chelsea is in firm control of the top spot by holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand.
Chelsea welcome red-hot Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Winners of six straight EPL games, Manchester United have all but wrapped up a Champions League place and will attempt to hand Chelsea their first home defeat of the season.
Injuries to Diego Costa and Loic Remy have forced Chelsea to its bench to find a goalscorer. Didier Drogba got the start last week against QPR, leaving Mourinho hoping Remy is fit to face the Red Devils. Michael Carrick is questionable for Manchester United after limping off the pitch during last week’s 4-2 win over Manchester City while Robin van Persie is also trying to return.
Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Who:
What:
English Premier League Game Week 33
When:
Saturday, April 18
Where:
Stamford Bridge in London, England
Time:
12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Channel:
NBC (US)/Sky Sports 1(UK) (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Chelsea -105, Manchester United +280, Draw +260
Prediction:
1-0 Chelsea
Stats You Need to Know
Scouting Chelsea
Record: 22-2-7, 1st (73 points)
Coach: Jose Mourinho, 2nd season
Goals Per Game: 2.06
Clean Sheets: 14
Leading Goal Scorer: Diego Costa, 19
Assist Leader: Cesc Fabregas, 16
Card Leader: Cesc Fabregas/Nemanja Matic, 9 yellow cards
Scouting Manchester United
Record: 19-8-5, 3rd (65 points)
Coach: Louis van Gaal, 1st season
Goals Per Game: 1.84
Clean Sheets: 10
Leading Goal Scorer: Wayne Rooney, 12
Assist Leader: Angel Di Maria, 10
Card Leader: Marcus Rojo, 6 yellow cards, Wayne Rooney, 5 yellow cards, 1 red card