Chelsea take on Manchester United in the Premier League

The match sets the scene for a mouth-watering tactical clash between new managers Erik ten Hag and Graham Potter.

The recruitment of both men by their respective clubs signals a move away from big-name managerial signings, and their calming touchline presence suggests a departure from the heated rivalries that reached its height during the reigns of Antonio Conte and José Mourinho.

Wednesday’s win makes it five games undefeated for Ten Hag since the 6-3 derby defeat to Manchester City. Manchester United will also have been buoyed by a disciplined 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

They are currently fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind Chelsea who are in fourth.

Chelsea remain undefeated since Potter arrived in September and head into today’s fixture with five clean sheets in all competitions.

A key game for Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag, who has been in charge of Manchester United since the start of the season, lost his first game at home to a Brighton team then managed by Potter.

A loss to Chelsea will undoubtedly heap pressure on Ten Hag, who, despite impressive wins against Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, has overseen a 4-0 drubbing by Brentford and a string of lacklustre performances in the Europa League.

Two consecutive wins against big-name teams will go a long way in building trust in Ten Hag’s vision for Manchester United.

The last four head-to-head matches have been cagey affairs that have ended in draws, but it was Chelsea who last won the fixture 3-1 in a 2020 FA Cup semi-final clash.

Ronaldo not in squad

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, will not be in United’s match-day squad after the forward stormed down the tunnel and left the stadium before the final whistle against Tottenham on Wednesday.

The Manchester United manager has since labelled his behaviour “unacceptable”. The forward, who scored 24 goals in all competitions last season for United, has only made two Premier League starts this season.