Chelsea hosts Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday night in a match-up of two big money, big six clubs that are in serious need of a trophy this season. For United, this is their best opportunity for silverware as the league is out of reach and they’re now on the ropes in the Champions League competition.
For the hosts, they’re actually the favorites of the entire 32 team field to win the Europa League, but their odds in the FA Cup are pretty favorable too. Only the two Manchester clubs are backed better to take this title, but that line could shift now that United will be without two of their top three forwards for this clash.
Let’s take a look at who Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri may start in his first team, as he seeks a place in the FA Cup semifinals.
The Bank Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction 4-3-3 vs Manchester United
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Gonzalo Higuain, Willian
Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante
Defenders: Marcos Alonso, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
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
Injury Report for both sides: go to this link
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.