Chelsea host Manchester United in a crucial Premier League clash with both clubs targeting a spot inside the top four by the end of the season.
The Blues have the more difficult task as they sit seven points behind Aston Villa in fourth and have only won one match from their last seven in the top-flight. Liam Rosenior has also had to handle comments from midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was dropped from the squad, after he openly courted Real Madrid.
To make matters worse, Chelsea supporters have released an open letter declaring an “erosion of trust” in the ownership and the direction the club is being taken which will be backed up by a protest before tonight’s match.
In contrast, Manchester United are going strong despite a 2-1 defeat to Leeds last time out. It was only the second defeat under Michael Carrick and the interim boss will be hoping to brush that off and get more points on the board as the club look to secure their place in third.
Follow all the action from the Premier League with our live blog below:
Chelsea fans release open letter declaring ‘erosion of trust’ in club’s owners
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) has said there is a “lack of confidence” in the club’s owners, BlueCo, and feel there has been an “erosion of trust” in the direction of the team.
Fan protests against the ownership are planned before Saturday’s home match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, following a turbulent season on and off the pitch.
Early team news for Manchester United
Man United will be without their first-choice centre-back duo or Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire after both were sent off in recent games.
Maguire had been due to return from a one-game ban but has been handed an additional game on the sidelines for swearing at officials.
Kobbie Mainoo could return, though.
Predicted Man Utd XI: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo
Chelsea’s early team news
Enzo Fernandez’s two-game suspension by the club has passed so all eyes will be on whether he is included in the starting XI or remains out in the cold.
Chelsea will still be without a lengthy list of injury casualties including Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and Jamie Gittens, with Reece James and Benoit Badiashile both unlikely to feature.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, Pedro
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Coverage begins on TNT Sports 1 at 7pm.
When is Chelsea v Man Utd?
Chelsea host Man Utd at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 18 April, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Chelsea vs Man Utd
Chelsea face off against Manchester United in a battle for European spots between two teams who have enjoyed huge highs this season – but have suffered something of a comedown in recent weeks.
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Chelsea host Manchester United in a crucial clash near the top of the table.
What I mean by that is that both clubs are challenging for a place in the Champions League next year and are hoping to secure a place in the top four.
Man Utd come into the match sitting third in the table with Chelsea sixth and seven points behind.
A win for Michael Carrick’s visitors would cement their place in the top four while Chelsea would get the gap should they prove victorious at Stamford Bridge.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and more throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
