A late equaliser by Anderlecht's Leander Dendoncker on Thursday curbed Manchester United's celebrations in the Europa League, and Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea becomes that little bit more important as a result.
United's 1-1 draw in Belgium leaves them in the driving seat in the quarter-final tie but they can take nothing for granted in one of their two assaults at a Champions League spot.
Their other opportunity to qualify for the major European club tournament comes in the race for the top four in the league, but champions-elect Chelsea are the most formidable opponents they could face as they look to get back on course in the league.
Last time out domestically they beat Sunderland 3-0 but they have drawn their last three home games in the Premier League against Bournemouth, West Brom and Everton and simply have to start getting the full three points from their fixtures at Old Trafford.
MAN UTD INJURIES
United seem to have come through Thursday's European victory with a clean bill of health, but they remain far from full strength as Chelsea come to town.
Phil Jones' foot injury and Chris Smalling's ankle problem are likely to keep the defenders out for the rest of the season, while Juan Mata is also a long-term absentee after undergoing groin surgery.
Ashley Young limped out of the recent draw with Everton and has still to return, while Wayne Rooney continues to have pains in his ankles which manager Jose Mourinho says are causing his skipper some real concern and he may be missing again on Sunday.
"He’s not happy with his condition, he’s trying to work with the team, which he does, but he's not confident, not happy. He has a bad feeling with his ankle and was not ready to play [on Thursday]. Let’s see for the weekend or the next game."
MAN UTD SUSPENSIONS
With the latest Premier League yellow card amnesty having passed, both teams are well in the clear when it comes to suspensions. Besides any red cards accrued between now and the season's end, only players who have been booked 15 times over the course of the campaign can now be handed a ban.
MAN UTD POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP
Jose Mourinho could send out a largely unchanged side from the strong XI he chose for Thursday's 1-1 draw in Belgium. Luke Shaw is a potential addition after being benched for Matteo Darmian in Belgium, while Anthony Martial could also be liable to a recall.
Elsewhere Michael Carrick could find himself replaced by Ander Herrera after playing the full game in Brussels, while Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard will both hope for a call-up in the attacking midfield line.
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Antonio Conte has led his Chelsea side to the verge of Premier League success at the first time of asking, with the Blues currently holding a seven-point lead over Tottenham at the top of the table. And Sunday's trip to Old Trafford arguably represents their biggest hurdle to a sixth English league championship success.
Victor Moses made his return for Chelsea against Bournemouth at the weekend as his side ran out 3-1 winners at the Vitality Stadium. He made his comeback after missing two games for his club and another two for his country.
Thibaut Courtois and David Luiz require ongoing treatment for hip and knee injuries, respectively, while Cesar Azpilicueta has been playing with a broken bone in his hand. However, none are expected to miss the trip to Manchester.
Luiz's minor knee injury was sustained after Sergio Aguero's red-card tackle in December but he has carefully managed the situation to avoid missing much first-team action. Chelsea have yet to announce their full injury update but all of their players are expected to be fit.
BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS
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Manchester United are without a win in eight Premier League games against Chelsea (D4 L4); their longest ever winless streak against a single opponent in the competition.
- A win for the away side would see Antonio Conte become the fourth Chelsea boss to record a Premier League double over the Red Devils, after Glenn Hoddle in 1993/94, Jose Mourinho in 2004/05 and Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10.
- The Red Devils have scored just three goals in their last 10 games against Chelsea in all competitions (an average of 0.3 per game).
- N’Golo Kante has netted each of Chelsea’s last two goals against the Reds in all competitions – they are his only goals in 34 appearances for Conte’s side.
- Manchester United’s Premier League unbeaten run now stands at 21 matches (W11 D10 L0) – the joint 10th longest unbeaten run in the history of the competition.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been involved in 18 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances (13 goals, 5 assists) for Manchester United.
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TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME
The game at Old Trafford kicks off at 16:00 UK time, with live television coverage on Sky Sports 1 in the UK.
