What is normally a huge match in the title race doesn’t have the table implications it usually does, but still has all the fire and emotion.
Chelsea travels to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United live on NBC at 12 noon or live online at NBC Sports Live Extra.
Both sides will be missing new strike forces as both Falcao and Diego Costa fail to make the squads due to injury. Chelsea frontman and Premier League leading scorer Diego Costa reportedly did not arrive with the team, while United’s new man Falcao was treated at their Carrington practice facility and arrived late.
It’s another injury blow for Louis van Gaal who has been slammed with problems all season long. Thankfully, Angel Di Maria has overcome a thigh knock to make the starting lineup. Ander Herrera returns from injury but can only make the bench.
Instead, Marouane Fellaini will pick up a start in midfield as Louis van Gaal saw Daley Blind smothered last weekend on his own in the holding midfield role.
WATCH LIVE: Manchester United vs. Chelsea live on NBC Sports Live Extra
Jose Mourinho, also without his talisman up front, will start Didier Drogba in front of a spectacular trio of Willian, Oscar, and Hazard who will look to ravage Manchester United’s troubled back four. Andre Schurrle is among the substitutes and has come off the bench to make an impact multiple times this season.
Thibaut Courtois returns to goal, and Filipe Luis mans the edge of defense with Cesar Azpilicueta suspended after his straight red card.
LINEUPS:
Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Rojo Shaw; Blind, Januzaj, Mata, Di Maria, Fellaini; Van Persie.
Bench: Lindegaard, Blackett, Herrera, Carrick, Fletcher, Pereira, Wilson.
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Drogba.
Bench: Cech, Zouma, Ake, Mikel, Baker, Salah, Schurrle.