Chelsea and Manchester United face off at Stamford Bridge tonight for a place in the F.A Cup quarter finals.
It is a match between two perennial F.A Cup winners and two of the Premier League’s best sides. It is also a match between two new coaches who could find themselves under pressure if they lose.
Of the two, Maurizio Sarri has much more to lose and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. While an F.A Cup loss straight after the Champions league loss to PSG would be bad, Solskjaer is still only a caretaker at the moment.
He has enough goodwill built up after his incredible initial run to get away with it. As well as that, he was never expected to sweep all before him before that run.
For Maurizio Sarri, things are a little different. His football philosophy is being questioned at a Chelsea team for whom winning comes above all else. He may not get the time he needs to fully instill his values on Chelsea.
If he wants to get that time, then a win over Manchester United tonight is an absolute must.
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Unfortunately for Manchester United, history isn’t on their side. Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Red Devils in any competition over the years.
United have won just two of their last 22 away games to Chelsea (D7, L13). They have failed to win any of their last 9 games at Stamford Bridge.
Of the 14 F.A Cup ties between the two teams, Chelsea have won the last four, including last season’s final. If they win tonight, they will become the first team the knock United out in 5 consecutive F.A cup matches.
In the cup, Manchester United have lost three of their five games at Stamford Bridge. The last time they knocked Chelsea out at their home ground was in 1999.
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There is one historical snippet of hope for United. They have knocked out the reigning champions ten times – more than any other team.
Chelsea are 10/11 to win the match, while Manchester United are at 13/5.
