The Big Match: Chelsea v Man Utd FA Cup fifth round betting guide

FA Cup fifth round
TV: BBC1, 7.30pm Monday

Match odds

11-10 Chelsea general
13-5 Man Utd bet365, Betfair
13-5 draw Betfred

Form

There has become a chasm between Chelsea's performances at home and away from Stamford Bridge so it's just as well that the Blues welcome Manchester United to London for the final FA Cup fifth-round tie, which will be decided on the night with no replay.

Chelsea, who were in Sweden to face Malmo on Thursday, have lost their last four domestic away matches to nil, culminating in the 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City which has propelled coach Maurizio Sarri to favouritism in the next Premier League manager to leave market.

However, Sarri's side have won nine of their last 11 at home with Leicester the only side to have triumphed at the Bridge this season, a venue where Arsenal, Tottenham and City have all been defeated.

United were going great guns under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with ten wins and a draw from his first 11 matches in charge, but Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last-16 first leg at Old Trafford was a reality check for the Red Devils.

Tactics

Sarri's approach has quickly been derided by some Blues fans who are frustrated at a lack of Plan B from from the Italian, although it would be wrong to assume that Sarri-ball has gone wrong - Chelsea are simply not playing in the style associated with the manager at Napoli.

Individual defensive mistakes, being too slow in midfield and talk of a dressing-room revolt will sound familiar to those who followed United under Jose Mourinho but now Sarri is facing the same accusations.

Sarri won't change but Solskjaer has shown a tactical flexibility during his brief reign and in the big away wins at Arsenal and Spurs he used Jesse Lingard almost as a false nine.

Marcus Rashford (versus Tottenham) and Romelu Lukaku (at the Emirates) were used in wider positions to attack the space vacated by the opposition's attacking full-backs.

Team news

Unfortunately for Solskjaer he could be without Lingard, who like Anthony Martial, went off with a muscle injury against PSG. Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia are not expected to return and Sergio Romero usually replaces David de Gea in goal for domestic cup ties.

Ruben Loftus Cheek is doubtful with a back injury for Chelsea, while Marcos Alonso did not travel to Malmo either.

Verdict

It's a tough tie to assess but the Premier League match between the clubs at Stamford Bridge finished level and this FA Cup tie could also be a draw after 90 minutes.

Sarri can ill-afford to lose another big game so soon after crumbling at City, while most of United's best work under Solskjaer has been achieved against weaker opposition than Chelsea. Draw 1-1.

Key stats

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last nine home games against United.
• The Blues have kept nine clean sheets and conceded just three times in their last 12 matches at Stamford Bridge.
• Man Utd have scored in every away match this season.
• Six of the past seven FA Cup ties between the clubs have finished with under 2.5 goals.

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