Chelsea host Manchester United in an enticing encounter at the top of the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will go into the game on a high, having beaten La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid 1-0 away from home in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash. The Blues are also in fine form domestically, with six wins and two draws in Tuchel’s eight games in charge so far. As such Chelsea have risen up the table in the past month and, at the start of the weekend, sit fifth – two points off the top four and six behind United in second.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw his side drew 0-0 at home to Real Sociedad most recently, booking their place in the Europa League round of 16 with a 4-0 aggregate win over the Spanish side. United are also in a good place domestically. The Red Devils have been defeated just once in their last ten Premier League games, winning five and drawing four.

So, here’s 90min’s preview of the game.

When is it? Sunday 28 February
What time is it? 16:30 (GMT)
Where is it played? Stamford Bridge
TV Channel? Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
Referee? Stuart Attwell

Tuchel doesn’t have many too injuries to contend with at the moment with the only absentee being Thiago Silva, who remains sidelined with a muscular problem.

United have a few concerns, especially in midfield. Juan Mata and Paul Pogba are still ruled out with injuries and Daniel James may be out too, after he limped off the field in Thursday night’s game. The Welshman will be assessed prior to kick off.

The same goes for Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani, who Solskjaer said would all be assessed before the Chelsea tie. However, the United boss was hopeful on Thursday that the three of them would make a return at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Giroud, Werner

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Matic; Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Chelsea

Atletico Madrid 0-1 Chelsea – Champions League (23/2)
Southampton 1-1 Chelsea – Premier League (20/2)
Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle – Premier League (15/2)
Barnsley 0-1 Chelsea – FA Cup (11/2)
Sheffield United 1-2 Chelsea – Premier League (7/2)

Manchester United

Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad – Europa League (25/2)
Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle – Premier League (21/2)
Real Sociedad 0-4 Manchester United – Europa League (18/2)
West Brom 1-1 Manchester United – Premier League (14/2)
Manchester United 1-0 West Ham (AET) – FA Cup (9/2)

? to the day job ?#MUFC #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/2XYVlFXjPv

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 27, 2021

There’s a lot at stake in this game, for both teams. A United victory would make Champions League qualification and a top two finish even more likely, moving them nine points clear of fifth place. Meanwhile, a win for the hosts could well be enough to move them into the top four, seeing as West Ham have to play Manchester City earlier in the weekend.

Solskjaer’s side are still undefeated away from home in the Premier League this season, and when Bruno Fernandes is on top form they are a match for any team in Europe.

However, Chelsea are more than capable of posing a threat on the front foot themselves. Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire may struggle to contain the ever-improving Timo Werner and the proven goal threat of Olivier Giroud.

With key battles taking place all over the pitch, it’s a tough one to call. The spoils could be shared in this one.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United