Chelsea v Manchester United preview: Eden Hazard set for comeback
Sunday 7 February 2016 16:00, UK
Eden Hazard is expected to return to the starting line-up for Chelsea's Super Sunday clash at home to Manchester United.
Hazard began his first game since a groin injury at MK Dons in the FA Cup last weekend and is anticipated to make his first Premier League start for five weeks against United, live on Sky Sports.
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The reigning champions will be looking to continue their recent revival under interim boss Guus Hiddink, who has guided the club to an eight-game unbeaten run since taking over from Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
United, meanwhile, have enjoyed a revival of sorts themselves, with a morale-boosting midweek victory over Stoke easing some of the scrutiny surrounding the club.
Louis van Gaal is still without a number of first-team players as he goes in search of his first victory over Chelsea since being in the Old Trafford hotseat.
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Defender Phil Jones (ankle) is close to returning to action, but the game at Stamford Bridge comes too soon for him.
Team news
Pedro (groin) is expected to be fit after missing Chelsea's midweek draw at Watford, but Loic Remy (calf) and fellow striker Radamel Falcao (thigh) remain out and Alexandre Pato is not yet match fit so will not be in the squad.
For United, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Bastian Schweinsteiger remain on the sidelines while there could be a doubt over midfielder Marouane Fellaini after a knock in the midweek win over Stoke.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Manchester United (W3 D3).
Manchester United have lost more often to Chelsea than any other opponent in the Premier League era (16 times).
Man Utd have won just one of their last 13 Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge (W1 D4 L8).
Chelsea have drawn their last three Premier League games at Stamford Bridge - they have never drawn four in a row on home soil in the history of the competition.
There have been four red cards shown in the last five Premier League games between these two teams played at Stamford Bridge.
Wayne Rooney has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances; more than he had managed in his previous 25 apps in the competition (4). Rooney has been involved in eight of the Red Devils' last 10 league goals (five goals, three assists).
Juan Mata has gone 12 games without registering a goal or assist - his longest spell without a goal involvement in his Premier League career.
Chelsea are on the current longest unbeaten run in the Premier League, going without a defeat in eight league matches now (W3 D5 L0). Despite this, they still haven't recorded back-to-back wins in the league this season.
Guus Hiddink is unbeaten in his last five competitive contests with Dutch compatriot Louis van Gaal, winning four and drawing one.
The Chelsea boss has lost just one Premier League game in his 20 matches at the club (W13 D6 L1).
Merson's prediction
Big game and a great way to end the weekend - a proper Super Sunday clash! Chelsea haven't got much to play for - they can't win the league or get top four - so I was surprised they didn't open the game up at Watford and have a go. That's been disappointing really.
United probably had less possession than they've had all season against Stoke and they won 3-0. Michael Carrick's return was key, he got the ball forward quick and provided better service. This will be a good game, and I fancy Chelsea to edge this one.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2
Betting
Chelsea are Sky Bet's 21/20 favourites on Super Sunday with Manchester United marginal outsides at 29/10 while the draw is a 21/10 chance. Tuesday night's impressive victory over Stoke saw Louis van Gaal's men trimmed to 6/4 for a top-four finish, while the Blues drifted to 25/1 after failing to see off Watford. Diego Costa is Sky Bet's 4/1 favourite in the first goalscorer betting while Wayne Rooney is considered the visitors' biggest threat at 13/2 to net first.
Watch Chelsea v Man Utd live on Super Sunday, 3.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
