Tonight sees the start of what could prove to make or break Maurizio Sarri’s contentious reign at the helm of Chelsea, as his side take on an in-form Manchester United team in the 5th round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud delivered some much-needed rest bite for Sarri last Thursday, responding to their humiliating loss to Manchester city with a crucial away win against Malmo in the Europa League. Manchester United, however, hit their first stumbling block under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as PSG handed the Norwegian his first loss since taking charge of United in December. With differing fortunes in European competition, both sides will be fully focused on progressing to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Chelsea will be at full-time strength coming into the tie, and considering the rotation, Sarri utilised in Sweden, it is clear his priorities lie in tonight’s fixture. Alongside the disappointment of watching Angel Di Maria return to such great effect against his former employers, Solskjaer had to witness both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial pull up with injuries. Strength in depth is not, however, something United are lacking in, and the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Juan Mata should efficiently deputise.
Either way, the pressure will increase dramatically on whichever manager fails to come out of this contest with the desired result.
