Last FA Cup, Chelsea defeated Manchester United in the tournament final; this time they’ll meet in the fifth round with both sides very hungry to win a trophy. For Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, his seat is scorching hot right now and holding on to a trophy is a good way to try and cool it.
For United caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, winning a trophy would help strengthen his case that the interim label should be stripped off his job title at the end of the season. In order to get there however, he’ll need to completely revamp his plan of attack.
That’s because two-thirds of favorite selection triad in attack are now out for at least two, and possibly three weeks. Anthony Martial will be absent due to a groin injury while Jesse Lingard is hampered by a hamstring problem.
Alexis Sanchez, another forward, played through a bizarre a leg injury in midweek, but appears to be fully fit now. Solskjaer says the Monday night clash, and the road ahead for that matter, provides an opportunity for Sanchez, as well as Romelu Lukaku and the youth players, to step up and seize the day.
“It’s a chance for anyone who plays,” Solskjaer said at a news conference on Friday.
“Alexis, Romelu, Chongy [Tahith Chong] or Angel [Gomes].
“Anthony and Jesse have done really well for us, they’re vital but then again with Rom and Alexis, they’ve got different skill sets and will be able to show what they can do, so we need to gel a team together for Monday.”
As for Chelsea, they have no fresh injury concerns, but midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a doubt, as he faces a late fitness test to be ready for this one.
Manchester United at Chelsea FC FYIs
Kickoff: Monday, February 18, 7:30 PM local, Stamford Bridge
Odds via Betway: Chelsea 1/1, Draw 13/5, Manchester United 13/5
Odds to win FA Cup via Betway: United 13/2, Chelsea 6/1
Starting XI Predictions: Chelsea Manchester United
Prediction: Chelsea 1, United 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.